“He Must Go” – Ratcliffe identifies “embarrassing” Man Utd dud who earns 10x more than Branthwaite as first play to sale – opinion
With Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS now in charge, this summer promises to be a bustling period for Manchester United.
A slew of changes is anticipated as the club aims to enhance its standards, both on and off the field.
One area Ratcliffe is keen to manage is player wages, especially since some players are earning far more than their on-field performances justify.
One player’s earnings are even seven times higher than those of Alejandro Garnacho.
Casemiro’s Arrival at Manchester United
At the start of the 2022/23 season, Casemiro was seen as a savior by Manchester United fans, having long lacked a true defensive midfielder. The Brazilian joined Old Trafford after winning the Champions League with Real Madrid, proving he was among the best at the time.
The then-30-year-old was signed for £70 million, playing a crucial role in United’s EFL Cup win and their third-place finish in the Premier League. During his debut season, wearing the number 18 shirt, Casemiro made 51 appearances across all competitions, scoring seven goals and providing six assists, marking an impressive start in Manchester.
Casemiro’s Salary at Manchester United
Despite his strong first season, Casemiro’s most recent campaign has not gone as planned. Initially the first-choice defensive midfielder, he suffered an injury that sidelined him for 17 matches. Upon his return, his performance was subpar, leaving United vulnerable. Football analyst Liam Canning even labeled his play as “embarrassing” and later, a “joke,” suggesting his performances have not matched his high salary.
Casemiro is Manchester United’s highest earner, with a staggering £350,000 per week, totaling roughly £18.2 million per season, excluding bonuses. This salary is seven times higher than Garnacho’s £50,000 per week, despite Garnacho contributing significantly more this season with ten goals and five assists in 50 matches.
Casemiro’s hefty salary also places him among the Premier League’s top earners, second only to Kevin De Bruyne. For comparison, it’s about ten times more than Jarrad Branthwaite, an Everton defender and current target for United this summer.
Given these circumstances, it’s no surprise Manchester United is eager to offload the declining midfielder. According to Goal Brazil, they aim to recoup around £30 million. The fact that interested clubs are from Saudi Arabia, rather than Europe, suggests his peak football days are behind him. If United keep him, they face paying an additional £36 million in wages before his contract expires.
Clearly, Casemiro’s future lies away from Old Trafford, and his departure could help fund United’s pursuit of Branthwaite.
