Amorim Breaks Silence on Casemiro and Maguire

Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim has provided a vital update on the futures of stalwarts Casemiro and Harry Maguire as both enter the final six months of their contracts. With the January window looming, both veterans are technically eligible to discuss pre-contract terms with foreign suitors, leaving the Old Trafford hierarchy with a massive financial and tactical puzzle.

Casemiro has enjoyed a significant resurgence under Amorim, netting four goals in 15 league appearances and proving his worth as a midfield anchor. However, the Brazilian's eye-watering £350,000-a-week salary remains a major sticking point; while United hold a one-year extension option, triggering it would keep him as the club's highest earner at age 33.

In contrast, Harry Maguire’s influence has waned this term, with the England international limited to just four Premier League starts before a thigh injury sidelined him. The emergence of young talent like Ayden Heaven, combined with the presence of Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro, has left the £190,000-a-week defender facing a steep climb to regain his place in the starting XI.

Amorim faces a delicate balancing act between retaining "invaluable" leadership and modernizing a wage structure that remains heavily weighted toward the old guard. Unless Casemiro is willing to accept a substantial pay cut, or Maguire proves himself essential upon his return from injury, the most likely scenario appears to be a double departure this summer to clear room for the next generation.