At a Glance
- Casemiro set to leave Manchester United
- Fans and teammates want him to stay
- Update on whether a U-turn is occuring
During and after Manchester United’s 3-1 victory against Aston Villa on Sunday, the Old Trafford crowd chanted ‘one more year, Casemiro’.
In conjunction with the club’s announcement, the Brazilian international had stated in January that this season would be his final one at United. His contract expires this summer, marking four years at the club since he joined from Real Madrid.
Right now, it very much seems like a competitive farewell tour for the former Real Madrid icon. However, could Casemiro be tempted to stay with the Red Devils?
Man Utd acted fast announcing Casemiro exit
Previously, co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe had highlighted Casemiro’s annual wage of £18.2m as a key driver of cost-cutting at the club. It has seemingly contributed to United committing early, not willing to trigger the one-year option on the current wages, which would significantly revert back to the higher salary if United secures Champions League football. Instead, it gives the Red Devils a head start in finding a replacement for this summer.
Conflicting reports have emerged to suggest that there may be a possibility that Casemiro and United agree to extend his stay at the club, given his hero status and excellent form for Michael Carrick’s side this campaign.
His goal against Villa, which moves United one step closer to a top four finish, was his seventh goal of the season.
According to Nathaniel Salt from Daily Mail, there is no change from United’s perspective in letting the midfielder go. This has been further supported by Simon Stone, where sources told BBC Sport that ‘the club have no plans to reassess their decision’.
The connection to fans is clear
However, the emotional aspect of this farewell cannot yet be overlooked. His attachment to the club is quite evident, as he repeatedly points to the club’s fans and badge during his goal celebrations.
The 34-year-old’s wife also showed her appreciation on Instagram, captioning ‘thank you for all the support’ behind a video of fans pleading for Casemiro to stay as he headed down the tunnel on Sunday afternoon.
Especially when a South American player’s family feels that level of connection, it feels wholly valuable. Recent disappointments with superstars like Angel Di Maria and Alexis Sanchez flopping in United colours stand in sharp contrast.
The dressing room clearly views him as an irreplaceable senior leader. Leny Yoro, Matheus Cunha and Bruno Fernandes all have voiced their eagerness to have the Brazilian stay.
Fans will likely continue to pile pressure on both the club and the player until the end of the season. That could make for a different outcome by May.
