Manchester United are expected to make big changes this summer, following a trying season in which the club haven't met expectations.
Among the players who have been rumoured with a move away from Old Trafford is Casemiro, the five-time Champions League winner who signed in 2022 from Real Madrid. Now 32 years old, the Brazilian is a prime candidate to be moved on as United look to refresh their squad.
However, as former United striker Andy Cole points out, Casemiro is still at the mid-way point of the contract he signed two seasons ago, giving the midfielder a lot of power over his future.
Speaking to Betfred, Cole said that ultimately Casemiro will be the one to decide what his next move is.
“Only Casemiro could make that decision," Cole said. "Only Casemiro could know why his performances are at the level they’re at now.
"We can all turn around and go “his performances have been s—t” and things like this, but we don’t know what’s going on in his head and his personal life.
“Casemiro will make that decision at the end of the season and there’s no doubt that he’ll sit down with the club and make a decision based on what’s best for the club and the player.
“He signed a four-year contract didn’t he? If I signed a four-year contract and I had another two years on it and I wanted to stick around, then that’s up to me.
"If Manchester United want him to leave, then they’re going to have to decide whether they’re going to pay him to go. Ultimately, this is what happens when you give out long-term contracts.
“Manchester United have found themselves in this position a lot over the last ten years. They’ve given players long-term contracts, the player’s done well for a year or two and then the club’s had to move them on for far less than they paid for them initially.
"Nothing’s really changed with the way that Manchester United have conducted their transfer business over the last ten years.”
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