Manchester United have one foot in the Europa League final after an emphatic 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao in Spain.
It was a dominant display from the Red Devils, with Ruben Amorim’s side now firm favourites to reach the showpiece event in Bilbao later this month.
United’s path to the Champions League is clearer than ever, with a Europa League title securing qualification despite their disastrous domestic campaign.
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The second leg awaits on Thursday, and if United finish the job, they could face Premier League rivals Tottenham in the final.
But while Amorim prepares for a defining run-in, a potential problem is quietly brewing behind the scenes.
Casemiro, who played a key role in Thursday’s win, is reportedly set for a massive pay rise if United lift the Europa League trophy.
According to The Sun, the Brazilian’s contract includes a clause guaranteeing him a 25% wage increase if the Red Devils qualify for the Champions League.
The deal was agreed when he joined from Real Madrid in 2022, at a time when United weren’t involved in Europe’s top competition.
Should they win in Bilbao on May 21, Casemiro would earn an eye-watering £500,000 per week — putting him level with Cristiano Ronaldo’s final salary during his second spell at Old Trafford.
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Such a figure would make the 32-year-old the club’s highest-paid player, a scenario that poses a dilemma for Amorim.
The United boss has reportedly been instructed by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to cut the wage bill significantly ahead of next season.
Despite Casemiro’s inconsistency over the past three years, Amorim sees value in the midfielder, particularly after his recent resurgence in form.
The Brazilian appears content in Manchester and has no intention of leaving before his contract expires in 2026.
But with Amorim looking to overhaul the squad and implement his preferred 3-4-2-1 system, United may have to consider whether they can justify paying that kind of salary.
It leaves the Red Devils with a big decision to make — back the veteran star or make way for younger, more affordable talent.
Whatever happens, Casemiro’s clause could be the most expensive goal United score this season.
