If United lift the Europa League, Casemiro may trigger a salary increase that would bring his earnings close to the level Cristiano Ronaldo enjoyed during his second spell at Old Trafford. United’s Europa League run has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing 2024/25 season for the Red Devils. After beating Athletic Bilbao 3–0 in the first leg of the semi‑final, United have one foot in the final.
Casemiro has been one of the standout performers in the knockout stages. He registered three assists in the stunning second‑leg comeback against Lyon in the quarter‑final and scored the opening goal in the first leg of the semi‑final, making him a pivotal figure. If his performances help United win the Europa League and secure Champions League football next season, the Brazilian midfielder will be in line for a substantial pay rise.
A big wage boost in prospect
Should United lift the Europa League trophy, Casemiro will enjoy a significant salary increase. Under the terms of his contract, earning Champions League qualification triggers a 25% pay rise for the 33‑year‑old. According to the Daily Star, his current weekly wage of £400,000 would climb by £100,000 to reach £500,000 per week—matching what Ronaldo earned in his second stint at Old Trafford. Casemiro joined United from Real Madrid in 2022, at a time when the club were not competing in Europe’s top competition.
With Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the club’s board pushing for reduced wage expenditure next season, manager Erik ten Hag could face a dilemma: this financial clause may force United to consider selling the in‑form Brazilian.
What lies ahead for Casemiro?
On balance, Casemiro’s three seasons at Old Trafford have had their ups and downs, but he has recently rediscovered his best form—especially in the Europa League. Without his contributions, United almost certainly wouldn’t be in the semi‑final at all. Yet given United’s precarious financial position, that extra £100,000 per week may prove unaffordable. As one of the club’s top earners, Casemiro has long been tipped to depart to free up wages, even though Ten Hag has expressed a desire to retain him after a difficult period. This potential pay rise, however, could be the final straw.
Links to Saudi clubs have been frequently mentioned in the media, but offloading Casemiro may prove tricky—he has indicated that his and his family’s future lie at Manchester United.