Departing Manchester United star Casemiro is poised to miss out on a pay rise at Old Trafford but could be earning a remarkable sum at his next club. United's qualification for next season's Champions League means certain players are due a 25 per cent pay rise. However, not all squad members will enjoy the wage boost following United's victory over Liverpool last weekend, which confirmed entry to next season's competition with three games remaining.
Bruno Fernandes to Become Top Earner
It is understood that club captain Bruno Fernandes will benefit, collecting an estimated £250,000 per week thanks to the increase and becoming the club's top earner. Casemiro, who confirmed his plans to leave United earlier this year, appears destined to join Inter Miami this summer. Reports indicate that the Brazilian will receive a wage which far exceeds the £350,000 a week he currently earns at United.
Casemiro's Lucrative Move to MLS
The former Real Madrid star is anticipated to sign a two-year deal with the club, which is co-owned by United legend David Beckham. His new contract is rumoured to pay him an eye-watering £600,000 a week, more than doubling Fernandes' new wage. Casemiro, 34, had been linked with a switch to Saudi Arabian outfits Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr. The midfielder was understood to have little appetite for relocating his family to the Middle East, however, with his sights firmly set on a move to the MLS.
United's Wage Bill Reduction
United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been keen to trim the club's wage bill and has previously been disparaging about the lucrative deal that brought Casemiro to Old Trafford in August 2022. As a result, the decision has been taken to allow Casemiro, who cost United £70 million, to depart on a free transfer. United are reportedly eyeing Nottingham Forest's Elliott Anderson, Brighton's Carlos Baleba or Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton as potential replacements.
Casemiro's Impact and Replacement Challenges
Casemiro, who has netted nine goals this season, has proved crucial for interim manager Michael Carrick. Finding a like-for-like replacement will not be straightforward either, with the Brazilian's absence notably felt during Saturday's goalless stalemate with Sunderland. The significant pay increases reward several United squad members including Kobbie Mainoo, who recently put pen to paper on a new five-year deal at the club. Harry Maguire, who similarly extended his time at United by a further year, is also expected to pocket a wage boost, it is believed.
Contract Incentives and Fernandes' Accolades
According to The Guardian, Mainoo and Maguire's contracts were thought to have been incentivised by the club's securing of Champions League football for next season. While those missing out remain unidentified, it is understood any pay rise is tied to individual contract clauses. Fernandes' considerable pay rise follows his recognition as the Football Writers' Association's Men's Footballer of the Year this week. The Portuguese ace turned down lucrative approaches from Saudi Arabia last summer to spearhead United's Champions League campaign this season, racking up eight goals and 20 assists in the process.
Fernandes' Record Pursuit
The midfielder requires just one more assist in his remaining three matches to equal the all-time league record, jointly held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. Fernandes clinched the accolade by a mere 28 votes ahead of Arsenal's Declan Rice, securing 45 per cent of the total vote. The United skipper becomes the first Red Devils player to claim the men's award since Wayne Rooney in 2010. Fernandes' long-term future at Old Trafford remains uncertain, though he is currently contracted to the club until 2027, with reports suggesting there is also an option to extend by a further year.
