Manchester United to Release Maguire and Casemiro on Free in 2026?

Harry Maguire and Casemiro are set to leave Manchester United at the end of this season as free agents.

INEOS as the leader of the footballing aspect of Man United are trying to cut down the wage bill of the club. Casemiro and Harry Maguire are two of the highest earners of the club.

Casemiro who earns £300,000 per week at United are the current highest earner of the team. 

United actually have opened a talk over a new contract after good performances from the Brazilian, but he is no longer a long-term option for both Amorim and Manchester United.

For Harry Maguire, there is an option to trigger his one year contract extension, but United will choose to try a new contract structure instead with his wage being lowered from the initial £180.000 per week.

Also read: Manchester United are Leading the Race to Sign Gallagher on 2026 – Price In UK

According to Daily Mail, Casemiro and Maguire are yet to get a proper contract offer from Manchester United to stay beyond this season. Even if there will be offers for both players, the contract will be most likely a one year contract with substantially reduced wage.

WIth the January transfer window incoming, according to the transfer rule, both Maguire and Casemiro are free to negotiate and sign any pre-contract with clubs from overseas in January.

There are ongoing contract negotiations with both players, but there is still no agreement made for either of them. INEOS is likely trying to lower the wage structure as low as possible for these new contracts as they are planning to make a new wage structure in the club.

Regardless of the contract situation of Casemiro, Manchester United will prioritise signing some central midfielders in 2026, because even with Casemiro’s contract extension, Amorim is still a long-term solution in the midfield. More information and trsnfer news of Manchester United can be found in Price In UK

Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba, and Elliot Anderson are on top of the list of Manchester United’s shopping list for summer of 2026. They are projected to replace Casemiro in the United’s midfield.

As for Harry Maguire, if he is allowed to leave, then a central-defender will also need to be signed next summer.

Current Situation of Both Players In Manchester United

In this moment, Casemiro still start most games for United with the Brazilian becomes the important part of the Amorim team. Although he always be subbed of in the second half, he always play a big role in the first half. As Manchester United have more control in the midfield.

It will not be easy to find a replacement for the five times Champions League winner. Hi experience and his ability to read the game is very important for United’s midfield. Every time Casemiro subbed off, Man United always lose the control on the midfield and opponents could find a breakthrough to attack the back line of the team.

For Harry Maguire, he has been injured in the match against Tottenham, and his return to the first team has to wait longer until the medical team declare him to be fit enough. Fortunately, Manchester United have a solid list of players in the center back position. They have De Ligt, Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven, Mazraoui, and Lisandro Martinez who is already back to the first team.

Things will be harder for United if Casemiro gets injured or suspended. Manuel Ugarte who is yet to find his best performance and Kobbie Mainoo doesn’t have the ability to cover large area in front of the center backs on his own.