Man Utd and Casemiro reach agreement on contract clause in major boost for Michael Carrick

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Manchester United have been handed a huge boost after an agreement was struck that will allow Casemiro to start every remaining game this season. The Manchester Evening News understands the 34-year-old had a clause in his deal that would have led to a one-year extension if he started 35 Premier League fixtures in his final season at the club, a tally that he remains on course to reach.

However, the Brazil international and the Old Trafford club reached an agreement in January to waive the clause during talks to formally announce that he would be leaving at the end of the season. The former Real Madrid man was told by United officials earlier in the season that his contract wouldn't be renewed, but in early 2026, he decided to make the news public, a request to which United agreed.

That came soon after news around the clause that would see his £350,000-a-week extended for a fifth season had come out, but the two parties agreed that it wouldn't be activated, even if the target was hit. At the time, that looked unlikely. Casemiro would have needed to start all of the final 21 Premier League games of the season to hit the target of 35 after missing the December trip to Aston Villa through suspension.

But the midfielder has emerged as an integral part of the side, especially since Michael Carrick was appointed in January, and he is now up to 14 successive starts in the Premier League. Had the clause remained in place, it would have meant United would have had to drop him from the starting line-up for a game, potentially bringing him on early in a fixture just to avoid the total of 35 starts being hit.

Both parties agreed that it was unnecessary, leaving Carrick free to pick him in the starting line-up for all remaining Premier League games. Casemiro's recent form has led to calls for United's decision not to renew his contract to be reversed, but that stance at Old Trafford isn't going to change and plans are already afoot to sign a replacement.

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Indeed, it is thought that Casemiro is actually close to agreeing terms over a move to a new club when his contract expires at the end of June. Casemiro confirmed in January that he would be leaving United, saying in a statement: “I will carry Manchester United with me throughout my entire life.

“From the first day that I walked out at this beautiful stadium, I felt the passion of Old Trafford and the love that I now share with our supporters for this special club.

“It is not time to say goodbye; there are many more memories to create during the next four months.

“We still have a lot to fight for together; my complete focus will, as always, remain on giving my everything to help our club to succeed.”

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Speaking last month, Carrick praised Casemiro, saying: "I think, in some ways, it’s difficult to say, I think when something is decided, in some ways, the fact that it’s decided makes things a little bit easier and everyone understands the situation really.

“I think the impact he’s had has been terrific, certainly since I’ve been here and working with him, and his influence in the team and big moments in goals.

“And I think it was a nice moment at the end there with the supporters, and having that connection and the respect. That was a nice moment and I think he’ll enjoy that."