Fabrizio Romano has revealed an unexpected priority at Manchester United follow the announcement that Casemiro will leave the club at the end of the season.
Manchester United announced on Thursday evening that Casemiro will be leaving the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Casemiro moved to Old Trafford from Real Madrid in the summer of 2022 and has won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in that time. He scored the opener in the 2023 Carabao Cup final against Newcastle.
It is a move that is understandable due to the enormous wages the Brazilian earns, however, it further underlines the need for midfield reinforcements at the club.
There are rumours that United will be aiming to sign at least two first-team midfielders in the summer transfer window, with the likes of Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson linked with the club.
Romano reveals unexpected United ‘priority’ after Casemiro exit
United are clearly going to strengthen their midfield depth this year but they will also be wanting to keep hold of their best talents.
Bruno Fernandes is the club’s best player and reports suggest that United want him to stay for at least one more season, while Kobbie Mainoo’s recent resurgence is a boost to the midfield.
Mainoo barely played under former boss Ruben Amorim and he even wanted to leave the club on loan. Now, under Michael Carrick, he looks set to take a main role in the team.
According to Fabrizio Romano, United also now see it as a priority to agree to fresh terms with Mainoo on a new and improved contract.
“Man United believe that the contract of Kobbie Mainoo, especially after the decision to part ways with Casemiro at the end of the season, is really one of the priorities,” Romano said on his YouTube channel.
“Contract talks will continue between Kobbie Mainoo and Manchester United. Kobbie Mainoo is more than happy to stay if he is playing.
“It is not something to agree today, tomorrow… it is going to take some time, but Man United’s intention is to show their confidence in Kobbie Mainoo.”
Mainoo turn unexpected
Only a few weeks ago, it seemed like Mainoo could try and push for a loan departure last month, and now his contract renewal is being described as a priority for the club.
It is an unexpected turn but one that was always going to happen after Amorim departed the club. Casemiro’s exit at the end of the season is clearly a factor but United were planning for a new contract for Mainoo before Amorim even arrived at the club.
Read More: Manchester United to hold ‘internal meeting’ with Michael Carrick about sudden January transfer
The youngster is still on the same contract he broke through with and he deserves a pay-rise to put him in line with others in the squad.
Mainoo’s biggest problem under Amorim was the lack of game-time he was afforded, so it is likely that these conversations are fairly straight forward if he is playing consistently under Carrick for the rest of the season.
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