Casemiro is now free to start every remaining match for Manchester United this season, following the removal of a contract clause that would have triggered an extension. The veteran midfielder reportedly had a stipulation in his agreement which would have resulted in a one-year extension if he started 35 league matches in his final season at the club, a target he remains on track to achieve.
However, according to the Manchester Evening News, the club and Casemiro agreed in January to nullify the clause during discussions to officially announce his departure from Old Trafford at the end of the season. Earlier in the season, club chiefs informed the Brazilian midfielder that his contract wouldn't be renewed, but in early 2026, he chose to publicly disclose the news, a decision to which United consented.
This followed shortly after revelations about the clause that could have extended his £350,000-a-week deal for a fifth season, but both parties agreed it wouldn't be activated, even if the objective was met.
At the time, this seemed unlikely. To reach the 35-game target, Casemiro would have needed to start all of the final 21 Premier League fixtures of the season, having missed the December trip to Aston Villa due to suspension.
However, the former Real Madrid midfielder has become a crucial component of the team, particularly since Michael Carrick's appointment in January, and has now reached 14 consecutive starts in the Premier League.
Had the clause stayed in effect, it would have required United to omit him from the starting XI for a match, possibly introducing him early in a fixture simply to prevent the total of 35 starts being reached.
Both sides determined it was superfluous, allowing Carrick freedom to select him in the starting line-up for all remaining Premier League fixtures.
Casemiro's recent performances have prompted suggestions that United's decision not to extend his contract should be reconsidered.
However, that position at Old Trafford will not change and preparations are already underway to secure a replacement.
In fact, it's been reported that Casemiro is actually nearing an agreement over a transfer to a new club when his contract runs out at the end of June.