Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has reportedly decided to stay at Old Trafford this summer, rejecting a move to the Saudi Pro League despite the club’s interest in trimming their squad.
New manager Ruben Amorim is working to rebuild the Red Devils following a disastrous 2024–25 campaign, where the team finished 15th in the Premier League and missed out on European qualification. The squad overhaul is essential, with weaknesses visible across multiple areas—including central midfield.
Casemiro, who has drawn criticism from pundits like Jamie Carragher for struggling to keep up with the Premier League’s intensity, was widely expected to depart. However, the 33-year-old Brazilian plans to stay and fight for his place.
Towards the end of last season, Casemiro showed signs of revival, outperforming Manuel Ugarte to reclaim a spot in the starting XI. Still, his overall inconsistency and age make him a risky player to rely on going forward.
His decision to remain could complicate Amorim’s transfer plans. Casemiro earns £350,000 per week, and offloading his wages would have freed up crucial funds for new signings. United are facing financial restrictions, which limit Amorim’s ability to overhaul the squad as intended.
The situation mirrors wider issues at United. Other high earners like Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho are also struggling to attract buyers. So far, Amorim has only managed to bring in Matheus Cunha, while talks with Brentford over Bryan Mbeumo remain stalled.
If Amorim cannot secure significant reinforcements, Manchester United could face yet another underwhelming season in 2025–26.