Manchester United’s players have issued a desperate plea to two of their senior stars stay .
Matheus Cunha and Leny Yoro have both spoken publicly about their desire to see Casemiro and Harry Maguire remain at Old Trafford beyond this summer . But with Casemiro’s contract expiring and Maguire facing a pay cut ultimatum, their futures hang in the balance.
THE CASE PLEA
Cunha, signed from Wolves in the summer, has been on a one man mission to convince the Brazilian veteran to reverse his decision to leave.
“I’m always asking him, ‘Come on, stay at Manchester United! Just one year with me, let’s go for a second year,'” Cunha told TNT Sports Brazil .
Casemiro, 34, is United’s best paid player on around £350,000 a week . He announced in January he’d leave when his contract expires in June , but the club have an option to extend by another 12 months.
Yoro added his voice: “I think everyone wanted him to stay. He’s a really important player for us. He showed it again against Aston Villa.”
THE MAGUIRE FACTOR
Yoro is also a huge fan of Maguire, 33, whose contract expires this summer . The England international is reportedly willing to halve his £190,000 a week wages to sign a new deal , but no agreement has been reached.
“If he can stay next season, it’s really good for us,” Yoro said. “So I hope he’s going to extend his contract and he can stay with us. We’ll see. We’ll see anyway.”
THE SUMMER REVAMP
According to The Sun, United are planning a major midfield overhaul regardless . With Casemiro’s exit looming, the club will be left with Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte as their only specialist central midfielders .
That’s not enough for a campaign that will include European football. Names like Sandro Tonali, Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba have all been linked .
THE VERDICT
The players want Casemiro and Maguire to stay. The club have decisions to make.
Casemiro’s leadership is invaluable. Maguire’s experience is crucial with so many young defenders. But wages, age and squad planning all factor in.
The double plea has been issued. Now it’s over to the board.
