It was towards the end of last season, during a run of just two wins in 11 Premier League games, that Casemiro’s Manchester United future came under serious scrutiny. Jamie Redknapp described him as a SoccerAid footballer, and things haven’t gotten much easier since then.
The 32-year-old, who has almost half of his contract at Old Trafford left to run, was linked with a move away in the summer as Erik ten Hag and a new-look Sporting setup, including recruitment chiefs, planned changes. Now, after a disappointing start to the 2024-25 season that has seen United lose two of their opening three games, Casemiro is once again a big talking point.
He started every game but was brutally hooked by Ten Hag at half-time against Liverpool and replaced by 20-year-old academy graduate Toby Collyer. Contrary to online speculation, Casemiro did not leave the stadium after being taken off, but his role in the team remained in the spotlight.
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After two mistakes that directly led to goals in the first 45 minutes, Gary Neville made his feelings perfectly clear. “Casemiro, for a player with so much experience, the amount of times he gives the ball away in bad places,” he said in co-commentary. “There’s no pressure around him, it’s a first time he tries the ball.
“Since then Liverpool have made mistakes in that area but Mohamed Salah is a different class and that cross is lovely.” Neville added: “Casemiro is getting older; he had a very challenging first half, especially those two goals.”
The full-back continued: “I didn’t expect Casemiro, given the problems he has had [are ones] that would cost him dearly. Being caught on the ball and giving it away without pressure – maybe being run out, isolated in defensive positions, but those are two things, regardless of your age, 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, MEN Sports has everything that has been said about the former Real Madrid player amid transfer rumors.
Galatasaray Interest
Galatasaray are unhappy with the loan of Victor Osimhen and are keen to add Casemiro to their ranks. ESPN reports that they are looking to add a midfielder and have Casemiro on their shortlist.
His salary and contract situation have been described as stumbling blocks, but importantly United are said to be considering a deal if the right offer were made.
It has been said elsewhere that such a move is unlikely.
Ten Hag attitude
After the match against Liverpool, Ten Hag spoke about his decision to take Casemiro off. “I met him in the dressing room after the game, so he didn’t leave the stadium at half-time,” Ten Hag said.
“I substituted him because we were 2-0 down against an opponent like Liverpool, with their quality they are very good. We had to take risks because we want to fight back, then you need players in midfield to cover ground, that’s why we put Toby Collyer on the field.
“I think everyone in football has to take responsibility. I’m sure he’s a great character and he’s won everything you can think of in his career. I’m sure he’ll continue to contribute to our team and Casemiro always wins, so he’ll be there.”
What Casemiro wants
Only earlier this year had Casemiro himself said he was more ready than ever to push on and respond at United after a disappointing season. “I feel very good, very good,” he told Sky Sports. “I feel really good, I feel healthy, with energy and the same mentality as always.
“I think people ultimately talk about the age factor, but it’s proven. Recently our friend Thiago Silva, at 39, came here and showed that you can indeed play. The previous Ballon d’Or winners were over 34.
“At Man City you have Kevin De Bruyne. (Mo) Salah at Liverpool. I think age is not a problem, it is not a factor in this, but analysing your game and knowing everything that is happening around the game.
“These are people who analyse football well, who see what happens, who know what happens, who do not analyse age. But I am good, I am happy, I live every day that I can play here. As I always say, Manchester United gave me what I wanted. This joy of being able to enjoy the game, to enjoy the Premier League. So I am happy to be here at Manchester United and to enjoy the game.”
Contract details
Casemiro is one of the highest earners in the Manchester United team. His salary was reportedly comparable to that of David de Gea. The former club captain was earning more than £350,000 a week when he left.
It is also said that there is a Champions League clause in his deal, which would see his salary reduced if he does not play in the competition. The club also have an option to extend his contract from 2026 to 2027.
He cost United £50.5m in 2022, but that could rise to almost £60m in total if add-ons are taken out. After two years at Old Trafford, United would need to recoup more than £26m to make an accounting profit due to his depreciated value.
Neville Hint
Speaking during the Liverpool clash, Neville hinted that Casemiro’s days at the top were numbered. “You said, Carra [Jamie Carragher]“I think sometimes it’s sad to see such a great player at the end of the first half, that feels like an important moment for Erik ten Hag at half-time,” Neville began.
“I’m not entirely sure how the conversation with Casemiro went for all his team-mates. You’re replacing someone who is clearly world class.
“I had a moment myself against West Brom many, many years ago where I knew my time at United was over. I don’t think Casemiro is at that point but it feels like that kind of moment.” Neville never played professionally again after the West Brom game in 2013 to which he refers.
Casemiro’s wife hits back
Unhappy with her husband’s treatment in public, Casemiro’s wife hit out at the criticism following the defeat to Liverpool. Anna Mariana wrote on Instagram after posting an image of his trophy cabinet: “Always strong @Casemiro. The greatest [fire heart emoji]”.