The saying in life is that all good things will come to an end, which is something that is becoming ever more apparent with Casemiro and Manchester United Football Club.
Very few people would have expected the Brazilian to be a part of the senior squad in 2025/26, but it’s a decision that has proved to be a phenomenal one for Michael Carrick’s men.
The 34-year-old found the net once more during Monday night’s triumph over Brentford at Old Trafford, subsequently taking his Premier League goals tally this term to nine.
He’s now sitting joint-second in the club’s goalscoring charts this campaign, but he won’t be able to emulate such heights for the Red Devils in 2026/27.
It’s already been confirmed that he will be departing the club upon the expiration of his current contract this summer, which will no doubt be a bitter blow for the fans and the staff in Manchester.
|
Man Utd PL top goalscorers (2025/26) |
|
|---|---|
|
Player |
Tally |
|
Benjamin Sesko |
10 |
|
Bryan Mbeumo |
9 |
|
Casemiro |
9 |
|
Matheus Cunha |
8 |
|
Bruno Fernandes |
8 |
|
Mason Mount |
3 |
|
Patrick Dorgu |
3 |
|
Amad Diallo |
2 |
Man Utd make checks on £70m Premier League star
The pending departure of Casemiro will no doubt leave a huge hole at the heart of the United squad, which is something the hierarchy desperately need to address this summer.
Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson has consistently been touted as one of the main options to replace the Brazilian during the upcoming transfer window.
However, his £100m transfer fee, coupled with Manchester City’s interest in his signature, could make a potential transfer somewhat tricky to complete.
Anderson isn’t the only Forest star currently in the hierarchy’s sights ahead of the off-season, with centre-back Murillo another star being considered at present.
According to The Telegraph, the Red Devils have started carrying out work and doing their due diligence on a number of centre-backs as they look to bolster their ranks. Indeed, they have already reached out and made checks on Murillo as they weigh up a potential move to land the Brazilian star.
The report also states that the 23-year-old has impressed staff behind the scenes at Old Trafford, which could fuel a potential transfer in the summer window.
Any deal would likely be an expensive one though, as the Reds are also looking to recruit a fee in the region of £70m if they are to offload one of their star performers.
Why Murillo would have shades of Casemiro for United
The departure of Casemiro is one that is purely being made from a financial standpoint, with the experienced star currently the club’s highest earner at present.
|
Man Utd player wages (2025/26) |
|
|---|---|
|
Player |
Wages |
|
Casemiro |
£350,000 |
|
Bruno Fernandes |
£300,000 |
|
Matthijs de Ligt |
£195,000 |
|
Matheus Cunha |
£180,000 |
|
Benjamin Sesko |
£160,000 |
|
Harry Maguire |
£150,000 |
|
Luke Shaw |
£150,000 |
|
Mason Mount |
£150,000 |
|
Bryan Mbeumo |
£150,000 |
His form on the pitch throughout 2025/26 has been nothing short of remarkable, even leading to fans demanding the 34-year-old stays at the club for one more year.
However, it’s extremely unlikely the club will reverse their decision to allow him to depart, which only increases the importance of the summer’s transfer window.
Carrick’s recent impact in charge at Old Trafford has allowed the club to almost certainly secure qualification for the Champions League football next season.
As a result, added funds will certainly be available in the market, which could go hand in hand with the ability to attract top-level talents to make a move to Manchester.
Murillo would be just one of the players who could be tempted to join the Red Devils this summer, potentially having the chance to emulate his compatriot upon any transfer.
Like Casemiro, the Forest star is a Brazilian warrior with a tenacious style of play – which could see him capture the hearts of the fanbase, just as the midfielder has this term.
Whilst the pair operate in different roles on the pitch, their performances in the Premier League have demonstrated the quality they possess – alongside their dogged workmanlike styles.
The centre-back has come out on top of 54% of the ground duels he’s entered, whilst making 1.4 interceptions per 90 – ranking him in the top 15% of all defenders in the division.
Such numbers highlight his quality without the ball, which would no doubt improve the United defensive department – whilst also having similar qualities out of possession, just like Casemiro.
However, with the ball, the Forest star has been just as impressive this term, subsequently completing 64% of his dribbles and making 3.5 successful long balls per 90.
The aforementioned stats no doubt make him an excellent ball-playing option at the back, often able to have a huge influence within attacking areas like his compatriot has in 2025/26.
Just like the departing midfielder, he’s also produced moments of magic in front of goal – as seen by his phenomenal run and long-range strike in the Europa League against Fenerbahce.
Whilst all eyes will be on who United sign to replace Casemiro this summer, a deal for Murillo could allow the club to have a long-term solution to the defensive injury issues.
£70m would be a hefty investment given the need for midfield reinforcements, but it’s a move that would see the hierarchy land a future world-class talent.
Should he mirror the impact of his compatriot at Old Trafford, it would be another astute piece of business and one that could lead the Red Devils to title glory in the near future.
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Manchester United consoliate their position in third place with a 2-1 win over Brentford at Old Trafford.