Carrick Shuts Door on Maguire Exit as United Dig In; Casemiro's Contract Hinges on Playing Time

Michael Carrick has put paid to speculation over Harry Maguire's future at Old Trafford, with the interim United boss determined to keep the 32-year-old centre-back at the club despite mounting interest from elsewhere.

The England international finds himself in the final months of his current deal, and with only four Premier League starts to his name this season following a November thigh injury, his position at United appeared precarious. Inquiries have arrived from Milan and several Premier League outfits keen on securing his services, yet Carrick has made his position crystal clear: Maguire is going nowhere.

According to reports, the interim manager has instructed the club to rebuff all approaches for the veteran defender, who has earned cult status among the Old Trafford faithful despite a testing few years at the club. Carrick's No2 Steve Holland, who spent eight years alongside Maguire in the England setup, shares his manager's regard for the player.

The path forward for Maguire appears contingent on accepting fresh terms, likely at reduced wages, if he is to remain at United beyond the summer.

Casemiro faces a similarly uncertain situation with his contract also entering its final year. However, United hold an extension option that could keep the Brazilian at the club until 2026 on identical terms—though the 33-year-old's standing among the club's highest earners makes this scenario unlikely without a salary adjustment.

A twist emerges here: Casemiro possesses a performance-based trigger that could alter the landscape entirely. Should he reach a target of 35 starts across all competitions this season, his contract would automatically extend to 2027 at his current salary. Having started 18 times in the Premier League thus far, the midfielder would need to feature in virtually every remaining fixture—United have 17 games left—to hit that mark. It's a tall order, but one that could prove decisive in his future at the club.