Ruben Amorim is reportedly ‘open’ to keeping Manchester United midfielder Casemiro at the club beyond his current contract on one key condition.
Casemiro, who joined United from Real Madrid for £70million back in 2022, is now into the final 12 months of his contract at Old Trafford.
The Brazilian had looked destined to leave the club last summer after falling down the pecking order and starting just 18 times in the Premier League last season.
However, despite attracting heavy interest from Saudi Arabian clubs, the 33-year-old remained at United and has resurrected his fortunes this term under Amorim.
Starting nine of 11 league matches so far this campaign, Casemiro has proved a dependable partner for Bruno Fernandes in the heart of midfield, with only five of the 20 league goals United have conceded this season coming when the Brazilian has been on the pitch.
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And talkSPORT now suggests that Amorim is open to offering Casemiro a contract and extending the experienced midfielder’s stay at Old Trafford.
United do have the option to trigger an automatic 12-month extension to Casemiro’s contract, but that would mean continuing to pay the Brazilian’s current salary, which is in excess of £300,000-a-week.
Therefore, Casemiro, who turns 34 next year, may have to agree to take a pay cut on his current salary if terms are to be agreed on an extension.
Casemiro speaks out on Old Trafford future
Asked about his future whilst on international duty, Casemiro told Brazilian outlet Globo: ‘Football is my life, right? So it’s inevitable that I’ll stay involved somehow.
‘But I think my wife and family will want some time for themselves too.
‘I’m someone who believes in planning, but I like to set short-term goals.
‘Of course, it’s inevitable to think about reaching the next World Cup in good shape, but I can’t expect to even be there if I’m not doing well at Manchester United first.’
Amorim, meanwhile, could offer no detail on the future of Casemiro or Harry Maguire, whose contracts both expire at the end of the season.
‘Yeah, we don’t know what is going to happen,’ he recently said.
‘My goal is to continue to count on Casemiro, with Harry Maguire, that he has the same problem. I don’t know what is going to happen.
‘Let’s focus on this season. I’m really happy with Casemiro, he is really important.
‘I’m really happy with Harry, but I know what you guys are asking, let’s focus on this season and then we’ll see the next season.’
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