by It was at the end of last season, during a run of just two wins in 11 Premier League games, that Casemiro’s Manchester United future was put under serious scrutiny. Jamie Redknapp described him as a SoccerAid footballer, and things haven’t gotten much easier since.
The 32-year-old, who has almost half of his contract still to run at Old Trafford, was linked with a departure in the summer as Erik ten Hag and a new sporting set-up, including chiefs of recruitment, was planned for changes . Now, after a disappointing start to the 2024/25 campaign where United lost two of their opening three games, Casemiro is once again a big talking point.
He started each of the games but was brutally dropped at half-time against Liverpool by Ten Hag to be replaced by 20-year-old academy graduate Toby Collyer. Contrary to some online speculation, Casemiro did not leave the stadium after being sent off, but his role as a team player remained in focus.
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After two mistakes that led directly to goals in the opening 45 minutes, Gary Neville made his feelings perfectly clear. “Casemiro, for such an experienced player, the amount of times he gives the ball away in bad areas,” he said on joint commentary. “There’s no pressure around him and it’s the first ball he’ll try.
“From that moment on, Liverpool have made mistakes in that area but Mohamed Salah is another class and that cross is delicious.” Neville added, “Casemiro is getting on in his years; he had a very challenging first half especially those two goals.”
The defender continued: “I wouldn’t have expected Casemiro, the problems he had [are ones] that would cost him. Being able to catch the ball and give it away without any pressure – maybe a drop, isolated in defensive positions but those are two things, no matter what age you are, it shouldn’t be a problem.”
He is now the subject of reported interest from the Turkish league with the summer window still open for clubs to buy there until September 13. Here, Sportsman has all been said about the former Real Madrid man amid transfer speculation.
Galatasaray interest
Unhappy with loan signing Victor Osimhen, Galatasaray are said to be looking to add Casemiro to their ranks. ESPN reports that they want to add a midfielder and that Casemiro is on their shortlist.
His salary and contract situation are described as a stumbling block. However, importantly, United would allegedly consider a deal if the right offer was made.
It has been said, elsewhere, that a transfer is unlikely.
Ten Hag position
Speaking after the Liverpool game, Ten Hag addressed his decision to remove Casemiro. “I met him after the game in the dressing room, so he didn’t leave the stadium at half-time,” said Ten Hag.
“The reason I conceded it was because we are 2-0 down against an opponent like Liverpool, with their qualities, they are very good. We had to take risks because we want to bounce back, then you need midfielders to cover the ground, so we put Toby Collyer on the pitch.
“I think everyone has to take responsibility in football. I am sure he is a great character and has won everything in his career that you can imagine. I am sure he will continue to contribute to our team and Casemiro is always winning so he will be there.”
What would Casemiro
It was only earlier this year that Casemiro himself spoke of being more ready than ever to start and respond to United after a disappointing season. “I feel very well, very well,” he told Sky Sports. “I’m good, I feel healthy, with energy and the same attitude I’ve always had.
“I guess that people end up talking about the age factor, but it has been proven. Recently, our friend Thiago Silva, at the age of 39 coming here and showing that, yes, you can play. The winners were Previous Ballon d’Or over 34.
“At Man City, there is Kevin De Bruyne. (My) Salah at Liverpool. I think age is not a question, this is not a factor, but analyzing the game of the person and knowing about everything that is happening around the game .
“These are people who analyze football well, who see what is happening, who know what is happening, without analyzing the age. But I am good, I am happy, living every day I get to play here. As I usually say, Manchester United gave me what I wanted.
Contract details
Casemiro is one of the biggest earners in the Manchester United squad with reports that his wages were similar to that of David de Gea. The former club captain was earning more than £350,000 a week by the time he left.
There is also said to be a Champions League clause in his move although that would reduce his salary when he is not playing in the competition. The club also has an option to extend his contract from 2026 to 2027.
He cost United £50.5 million in 2022 but that could rise to almost £60 million in total if add-ons are met. After two years at Old Trafford, United would need to recoup over £26 million to make an accounting profit due to his amortized value.
Neville’s clue
Speaking during the clash in Liverpool, Neville hinted that Casemiro’s days at the top were numbered. “You said it, Carra [Jamie Carragher]”I think at the end of the first half, it’s sad sometimes when you see such a great player, it feels like a big moment at half-time for Erik ten Hag,” Neville began.
“I’m not quite sure how the conversation with Casemiro went in front of all his teammates.
“I had a moment against West Brom many years ago when I knew my time at United was up; I don’t think Casemiro is at that point, but it feels like that kind of moment .” Neville did not play professionally again after the West Brom match in 2013 he is referring to.
Casemiro’s wife hits back
Unhappy with the way she treated her husband in public, Casemiro’s wife faced criticism after the defeat against Liverpool. Writing on Instagram after posting an image of her trophy cabinet, Anna Mariana wrote, “Always strong @Casemiro. The biggest [fire heart emoji]“.
