Manchester United have key contract storylines developing as Casemiro reportedly reconsiders his departure and Harry Maguire is willing to halve his wages
Harry Maguire of Manchester United reacts after the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion on January 11, 2026 in Manchester, England.
Harry Maguire may agree to halve his wages in order to remain at Manchester United(Image: Richard Sellers/Allstar, Getty Images)
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This summer presents a period of uncertainty for Manchester United, with doubts lingering over whether Michael Carrick will be the one calling the shots. However, several transfer narratives are already emerging within the current squad.
Much of United's off-season activity will hinge heavily on the club's final standing this season. Carrick has instilled a renewed sense of confidence, propelling the club back to third place in the Premier League.
Their position will be tested on Sunday as they gear up to host Aston Villa. The match promises to be a thrilling six-pointer, with both teams vying for a spot in next season's Champions League.
Interestingly, two seasoned players who seemed set for departure may now remain following the team's revival. delves into some of the key narratives currently circulating around Old Trafford.
Maguire open to halving salary
An experienced vet within United's squad, Maguire has also enhanced his prospects of remaining beyond this season. This follows The i Paper's report that he's prepared to slash his wages in half in order to secure a new contract.
Maguire, who celebrated his 33rd birthday this month, is presently earning a substantial £190,000 per week at Old Trafford. Yet The i have indicated he would be willing to accept a far more modest £100,000-per-week arrangement if it meant securing a fresh deal, with his current contract set to expire in a few months.
It could be a shrewd decision on United's part given the mixture of inexperienced talent and centre-backs unable to maintai fitness. Matthijs de Ligt is battling a persistent back problem of late, while Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw have suffered their fair share of lengthy injury problems.
Harry Maguire of Manchester United arrives prior to the Premier League match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford
Maguire is set to be out of contract in the summer(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven possess the capability to be United's central defensive partnership for years ahead. Yet the duo are still maturing and require more seasoned professionals to share duties with before they're prepared to assume the responsibility permanently.
According to The i, no verdict has been reached as yet regarding whether Maguire will be presented with a new contract. Nevertheless, his chances are significantly stronger given the financial compromise he's willing to make in order to continue as a United player.
Casemiro 'thinking about' extension
Former United midfielder Kleberson has hinted Casemiro is now "thinking about" remaining at United despite previously announcing his exit. The Brazilian defensive midfielder declared in January that he would depart when his contract expires in June.
Now, compatriot Kleberson has stoked the flames by suggesting the change in circumstances under Carrick could prompt him to reconsider his decision. He firmly believes the 34-year-old could continue to play a pivotal role for several more years.
"I know he cost a lot of money, but he has really brought some leadership to the club," he told Goal. "That is also why he came back into the Brazilian national team and why he will play in the World Cup. He really brings the leadership and he does that as well in Man United. He is a great team-mate and a great competitor.
Casemiro bites his Manchester United shirt
Casemiro will leave Manchester United this summer(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
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"Of course, we can't compare his leadership to Roy Keane's because that was completely different, but he knows the rules at Man United. I think he is happy at Man United, but the club has never been in a good position. I still think he would like to stay at Man United, or at least he is thinking about it because it has gone so well under Michael Carrick."
Casemiro, who earns approximately £350,000 per week as United's highest-paid player, has a contractual clause enabling the club to extend his deal by a further 12 months. And Kleberson appears to support the club exercising that option to prolong his Old Trafford career.
"I really want him to stay at Man United," he continued. "He knows about the passion the club and the fans have. He is always working hard and plays up to the level you expect from a Man United player.
"To bring a guy in like him will be very tough. Man United used to have a lot of those players, but they don't have these players anymore. Casemiro is like that - Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, he brings that sort of leadership."