Manchester United have agreed to waive a clause in Casemiro's contract that would have triggered a 12-month extension if he started 35 Premier League games in his final year. The Brazil international, who announced his departure in January, currently has 29 starts, meaning the clause would have likely been activated. The agreement allows him to play freely without extending his stay.
Meanwhile, the club is set to break a 24-year tradition by remaining in Europe for pre-season training ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. The decision comes as the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico runs from June 11 to July 19, leaving many United stars on international duty. The last time United stayed in Europe for pre-season was in 2020 and 2021 during the pandemic; prior to that, they had travelled outside Europe since 2002.
Talks are ongoing to arrange a pre-season schedule in Scandinavia and other European locations. The club typically begins training at Carrington in early July, but will adjust plans to accommodate the tournament. This move prioritises player well-being and recovery after a congested summer of international football.
