Manchester United have reached a final decision regarding the future of Casemiro, with interim manager Michael Carrick confirming the 34-year-old midfielder will leave Old Trafford when his contract expires in June 2026. Despite a late-season upturn in form that included his ninth Premier League goal of the campaign in a 2-1 win over Brentford, both parties have agreed to part ways to facilitate a squad overhaul under United's INEOS-led sporting department. MLS side Inter Miami are understood to be the frontrunners for his signature, with reports from TeamTalk suggesting a potential three-year deal through December 2028 is under consideration.
Contractual status and Carrick's confirmation
The veteran midfielder’s exit was effectively formalised earlier this year when United and Casemiro mutually agreed to waive a performance-based extension clause. According to Goal, that clause would have triggered an automatic one-year renewal had the Brazilian reached 35 starts this season. Speaking after the victory against Brentford on April 27, Carrick addressed the situation directly. "It's pretty clear – from both sides it's pretty clear the decision," Carrick said. "He's given absolutely everything and had some big moments for us." The departure marks the end of a four-year stay for the former Real Madrid man, who currently earns a reported £350,000-a-week, a figure the club is keen to remove from its wage bill as it targets younger profiles.
Tactical context and United's midfield transition
Casemiro’s departure aligns with a broader strategy to lower the average age of the squad, which had stagnated under former manager Ruben Amorim before his January exit. Since Carrick took over as interim, United have climbed from seventh to third in the table, all but securing Champions League qualification. While Casemiro’s recent statistical output matches his debut season's peaks, the decision to facilitate a free transfer reflects Manchester United’s need to meet PSR requirements and provide a pathway for academy graduates. A move to Inter Miami would see the Brazilian join several former La Liga colleagues in Florida. While social media posts from teammates like Matheus Cunha called for "one more year," the club's leadership remains committed to the tactical reset initiated during the winter window.
Manchester United are expected to target at least one high-profile defensive midfielder this summer to replace the outgoing veteran’s experience in the starting eleven.