Man Utd information: Harry Maguire contract ‘compromise’ emerges as Casemiro U-turn thought of
Manchester United are set for a busy summer transfer window with a number of players’ futures up in the air – and Michael Carrick’s replacement will have a big say on who stays and who goes
Michael Carrick’s Manchester United future beyond the end of the season remains unknown
Uncertainty awaits Manchester United this summer, with doubts surrounding whether Michael Carrick will be the one in charge. Nevertheless, several transfer sagas are already developing amongst the existing squad.
Much of United’s summer activity will hinge heavily on where the club concludes this campaign. Carrick has rekindled a feeling of confidence after hauling the team back up to third in the Premier League. Their position will face scrutiny on Sunday, though, as the Red Devils gear up to welcome Aston Villa. Third will clash with fourth in a massive six-pointer, with both sides eyeing a spot in next season’s Champions League.
Notably, two experienced stars who had seemed bound for departure may now remain following the upturn in fortunes. Here, the Daily Star Sport looks at some of the key news surrounding Old Trafford.
Casemiro ‘thinking about’ staying
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Ex-United midfielder Kleberson has claimed Casemiro is now “thinking about” remaining at United despite having already confirmed his exit. The Brazilian anchor revealed in January that he would depart when his deal expires in June.
His fellow countryman Kleberson has now added more speculation by suggesting the changed circumstances under Carrick might prompt him to change his mind. The former player insists the 34-year-old could still prove vital.
“I know he cost a lot of money, but he has really brought some leadership to the club,” he told Goal. “That is also why he came back into the Brazilian national team and why he will play in the World Cup. He really brings the leadership and he does that as well in Man United. He is a great team-mate and a great competitor.
“Of course, we can’t compare his leadership to Roy Keane’s because that was completely different, but he knows the rules at Man United. I think he is happy at Man United, but the club has never been in a good position. I still think he would like to stay at Man United, or at least he is thinking about it because it has gone so well under Michael Carrick.”
Casemiro, who earns United’s highest wages at approximately £350,000 per week, has a clause in his deal enabling the club to extend his contract by a further 12 months. Kleberson appears to support the club activating that clause should it allow his United career to continue.
“I really want him to stay at Man United,” he continued. “He knows about the passion the club and the fans have. He is always working hard and plays up to the level you expect from a Man United player.
“To bring a guy in like him will be very tough. Man United used to have a lot of those players, but they don’t have these players anymore. Casemiro is like that – Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, he brings that sort of leadership.”
Maguire open to wage reduction
Another seasoned pro within United’s squad, Harry Maguire has also improved his prospects of remaining beyond this season. This follows a report by The i Paper stating he’s willing to slash his wages by half to secure a new contract.
Maguire, who celebrated his 33rd birthday this month, currently pockets a substantial £190,000 weekly at Old Trafford. However, The i suggests he’d be prepared to accept a significantly more modest £100,000-a-week deal if it meant securing a new contract.
This could prove a shrewd move for United, given the mix of talents not yet fully matured and centre-backs struggling with consistent fitness. Matthijs de Ligt is grappling with a persistent back issue recently, whilst Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw have suffered their fair share of lengthy injury lay-offs.
Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven possess the potential to form United’s central defensive duo for years ahead. However, the pair are still maturing and require more seasoned players to rotate with before they’re ready to assume full-time responsibilities.
According to The i, no decision has been reached regarding whether Maguire will be offered a new contract. However, his chances are considerably bolstered by the financial concession he’s willing to make to remain a United player.
