With Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS now steering the ship, Manchester United braces for a summer of transformation. The club, under new leadership, is poised for significant changes both on and off the pitch.
Among the focal points of this overhaul is the need to reassess player wages, a realm where some individuals are commanding salaries disproportionate to their on-field contributions. In particular, one player stands out, earning a staggering sum that far exceeds his performance metrics, dwarfing even the earnings of rising talents like Alejandro Garnacho.
Enter Casemiro, the Brazilian midfielder once hailed as Manchester United’s defensive savior at the commencement of the 2022/23 season. Signed for a hefty fee of £70 million from Real Madrid, Casemiro arrived at Old Trafford with a weighty reputation, having played a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s Champions League triumph.
In his debut season, Casemiro lived up to expectations, featuring prominently as United clinched the EFL Cup and secured a commendable third-place finish in the Premier League. His contributions on the field were commendable, tallying impressive statistics with seven goals and six assists across 51 appearances in all competitions.
However, the narrative took a different turn in the subsequent campaign. Plagued by injuries and a notable decline in form, Casemiro struggled to replicate his earlier performances. His prolonged absence due to injury and subsequent lackluster displays raised concerns about his suitability for the team, with critics highlighting his diminishing athleticism and subpar contributions on the pitch.
Despite his faltering form, Casemiro remains the highest earner at Manchester United, commanding a weekly wage of £350,000, a figure that dwarfs the salaries of many of his peers, including Garnacho. This exorbitant wage places him among the Premier League’s elite earners, trailing only behind the likes of Kevin De Bruyne.
However, the discrepancy between Casemiro’s salary and his on-field output has raised eyebrows, prompting speculation about his future at the club. With interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia and a reported asking price of £30 million, it appears that United is keen to offload the Brazilian midfielder during the summer transfer window.
For Jarrad Branthwaite, the Everton defender coveted by United, Casemiro’s potential departure could pave the way for his arrival at Old Trafford. With his talent and potential, Branthwaite represents a strategic investment for the club’s future, aligning with Ratcliffe and Co’s vision for rejuvenating the squad.
As United navigates this pivotal juncture, the decision regarding Casemiro’s future looms large, with ramifications extending beyond the pitch. Amidst the clamor for change, one thing remains certain: the summer transfer window promises to be a defining period for Manchester United under new leadership.
