Matheus Cunha has suggested that many within the Manchester United squad would welcome Casemiro staying beyond this campaign, despite the Brazilian’s public indications that he is ready to move on.

Cunha made the point after Sunday’s win over Liverpool, underlining Casemiro’s influence both on the pitch and in the dressing room. “I play with him in the national team and I know how important he is. He’s an amazing guy and to have this guy in the dressing room is a privilege,” the forward told reporters.

The midfielder has produced arguably his best form since arriving in England from Real Madrid and his experience is a clear asset. As a five-time European champion with Real Madrid, Casemiro’s knowledge would be valuable when Manchester United return to the Champions League in 2026–27.

Cunha added that uncertainty over contract details leaves room for hope. “We don’t know in the end how it is with his contract. [But] then, of course, we—everyone—hope there’s a little bit more. I know it’s harder than we talked about, but, in the end, you never know.”

At 34, Casemiro is described in the draft as not old by today’s standards and clearly a popular dressing-room figure. The piece highlights that his continued presence could act as a morale boost and that United might manage his minutes, with the option of reducing Premier League appearances to focus on European fixtures.

The article also notes the squad’s underlying need for reinforcements. Even before Casemiro’s departure was announced, Manchester United required midfield strengthening. Now the team reportedly needs three or possibly four new midfielders ahead of next season. If Casemiro were to remain, the immediate task of replacing him directly could be deferred until 2027.

Those are the positions and considerations facing the club as the season progresses and questions over Casemiro’s future remain open.

Frenkie de Jong has confirmed he weighed up a move to Manchester United in 2022, but ultimately decided to remain at Barcelona. The midfielder said Barcelona were willing to sell and United were prepared to buy, yet it was De Jong who halted the transfer.

On the decision he told The Guardian: “Of course, it’s crossed your mind at times, like, ‘O.K., what should I do?’”

Manchester United, recognizing the need for a deep-lying midfielder to make Erik ten Hag’s system function, shifted their focus to Casemiro when a deal for De Jong did not materialize.

Casemiro’s time at Old Trafford has been mixed. He enjoyed an excellent debut season before encountering a loss of form and falling out of favour after the arrival of Ruben Amorim, whose 3-4-2-1 formation would likely have created the same issues for De Jong.

Yet Casemiro later recovered his form and, the club have said, he has been among the primary reasons for United’s resurgence in the second half of the current campaign.

On his future, De Jong added: “So as long as I’m good enough to be a starter here, to make an impact and Barcelona is at the level I want to play at—with the sense that they’ll be competing for the major trophies—then there’s no reason for me to go.”

Age and timing are an important contrast. Having recently celebrated his 34th birthday, Casemiro will leave Old Trafford this summer as he prepares to bring his career to a close, while De Jong is on the cusp of turning 29.

The consequence of signing an older midfield anchor is clear: Manchester United must again search for a high-cost midfielder to occupy the base of their midfield.

Barcelona are reported to be exploring a second loan for Marcus Rashford after his temporary move last summer. The original agreement included an affordable $35.1 million (£26 million, €30 million) buyout clause, a figure Catalonia’s leaders appear unwilling to meet. Sky Sports News claim La Liga’s leaders are “interested” in retaining Rashford for at least one more season on a secondary loan deal.

Any discussions would be expected once the current campaign finishes and Rashford returns to Manchester United. United have previously ruled out negotiating a lower release clause, and the club remain intent on moving the forward on swiftly given concerns that his wages are set to skyrocket in the likely event of Champions League qualification.

From Barcelona’s perspective the proposal is straightforward: keep Rashford’s services without paying the $35 million fee. For United, the deal is less attractive. Pushing a permanent transfer back by a year risks further reducing the player’s market value. Rashford is described in the report as a versatile winger at peak age, 28, with two years remaining on his contract.

The possibility of a strong World Cup showing for England could raise his price, the draft notes, complicating matters for all parties. A follow-up loan would also not necessarily guarantee a permanent move next summer. If Barcelona again decide against triggering the clause, United could be left with a 29-year-old forward who has only 12 months left on his deal.

The Red Devils’ position is said to be clear: either Barcelona trigger Rashford’s release clause in full or he returns to Old Trafford. Should he return, the most likely outcome would be a new permanent destination for the player, with the report adding that there are plenty of clubs who would surely be keen on snapping up the talented forward.