Manchester United have received a significant boost after agreeing with Casemiro to waive a contract clause that would have triggered a one-year extension. The 34-year-old midfielder had a clause requiring him to start 35 Premier League fixtures in his final season to automatically extend his £350,000-a-week deal. However, an agreement reached in January means the clause is no longer active, allowing manager Michael Carrick to select him freely for all remaining matches.
The Brazilian was informed earlier in the season that his contract would not be renewed, and in early 2026 he made that decision public. The clause was discovered shortly before his announcement, but both parties agreed it would not be activated even if the target was met. At the time, Casemiro was unlikely to reach 35 starts, having missed a game through suspension, but his recent form has made him a regular starter.
Since Carrick's appointment in January, Casemiro has started 14 consecutive Premier League games. With the clause in place, United might have been forced to drop him to avoid triggering the extension, but the waiver eliminates that need. Casemiro's performances have led to calls for a reversal of the decision not to renew, but the club remains committed to letting him leave and is planning to sign a replacement.
Casemiro is reportedly close to agreeing terms with a new club for when his contract expires in June. He confirmed his departure in January, stating: 'I will carry Manchester United with me throughout my entire life.' Carrick praised his impact, saying: 'The fact that it's decided makes things a little bit easier... His influence in the team and big moments in goals has been terrific.'
