Fabrizio Romano has revealed whether Manchester United are considering extending the contracts of Casemiro and Harry Maguire.
Manchester United have several big calls to make in the coming weeks, as the turn of the year means that clubs outside of England will be able to approach players whose contract expires at the end of the season.
Casemiro is one of the United players to be without a deal for next season, as it stands. The former Real Madrid midfielder struggled for consistency last season, but has looked significantly closer to his former self this year, due to Rúben Amorim’s tactical tweak.
Harry Maguire will also be without a contract for next season after having his deal extended last season for a further year. Amorim has continued to use Maguire in bigger fixtures, with Matthijs de Ligt moving to the right, although the England international is currently out injured with a hamstring issue.
If United want to keep either Casemiro or Maguire, they must act soon, as agreeing a new contract for both players will not be easy. At 33 and 32 years old, respectively, both will be looking for one last big contract before the end of their playing days.
With both still playing regularly for United, Amorim could ask Jason Wilcox to negotiate new contracts with the duo.
Will they be given a new deal?
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano confirmed that there was a chance both could sign new contracts at Old Trafford and that Amorim would like to keep them, but under one strict condition.
“Casemiro is a crucial player, in this moment, for Manchester United,” said the transfer guru. “Credit to Casemiro, because when you are Casemiro and when, you know, there is a lot of criticism, a difficult situation at the club, as it’s been in recent years.
“After winning everything and everything and everything, as Casemiro did with Real Madrid, it’s not easy to try to change people’s minds, the manager, the staff, and also fans. Casemiro did it. Casemiro did a fantastic job, working hard and becoming, once again, a crucial player for this manager.
“So, in this moment, he is really important for Rúben Amorim, but there will be a conversation about his contract because, at the moment, the numbers of his contract, salary, is way too high for Manchester United to extend that.”
Romano went on to say: “This is for Casemiro and for Harry Maguire, or the player could leave on a free.
“Casemiro always received many proposals, especially from the Middle East, especially from Saudi. Casemiro remains a target for many clubs there, but, at the moment, it depends on financials, on the salary.
“Casemiro is fully focused on the pitch now, he wants to help United in this moment, but his situation will depend on the salary. Amorim would love to continue with Casemiro, but again, this depends on the salary discussions.”
Should United keep Casemiro or Maguire?
Casemiro has been amongst the most important players at Old Trafford this season and Maguire has been trusted to start in key games, despite not playing every minute in the back three.
If United can agree to a lower contract with either player, then signing them for another season would be a sensible option, although Amorim must consider whether he has academy players who can fill their void.
The former Real Madrid midfielder can’t be replaced by a younger option, even with his inconsistency over recent years. However, Maguire’s gametime could be replaced by Ayden Heaven or even Tyler Fredricson.
De Ligt could remain in the middle for the big games, with Leny Yoro keeping his place instead of dropping to the bench.
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