Casemiro to leave Manchester United at the end of the season | OneFootball

BBC Sport have confirmed that midfielder Casemiro (33) will leave the club at the end of the season when his contract expires.

The 33-year-old joined United from Real Madrid in 2022 for £70m and has made 146 appearances in all competitions. He won the Carabao Cup in his first season, scoring in the final against Newcastle, and also lifted the FA Cup during his time at Old Trafford.

Casemiro made an immediate impact after arriving in England, helping Erik ten Hag’s side finish third in the Premier League in 2022-23 and return to the Champions League. However, his form dipped during the following campaign, while his high wages came under scrutiny after Sir Jim Ratcliffe became a minority owner at the club.

Ratcliffe previously highlighted the need to reduce United’s wage bill, with Casemiro understood to be one of the club’s highest earners.

Despite speculation over his future, Casemiro has remained a regular this season and has featured heavily in the Premier League and Europe. United sources say the decision not to trigger an option to extend his deal was made some time ago.

In a statement, Casemiro said he would “carry Manchester United with me throughout my entire life” and stressed his commitment to the club for the remainder of the campaign.

United will now look to strengthen their midfield in the summer, with Casemiro’s departure expected to free up space in the squad and on the wage bill.

GFN | Finn Entwistle