Manchester United fans have been revelling in Casemiro‘s form in 2026. The goals have been a bonus of his farewell tour, as he will depart next month following the expiry of his contract.
Therefore, it was a big surprise to see his name missing from the starting eleven before kick-off. Casemiro has been an ever-present figure in midfield under Michael Carrick next to Kobbie Mainoo.
The former Real Madrid man has only missed two league games this season against Brentford and Aston Villa. Both absences were due to suspension. He has been in excellent form, scoring 9 goals and providing 2 assists from the defensive midfield position.
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When is Casemiro Expected Back?
According to Chris Wheeler of the Daily Mail, Casemiro is expected back in time for the next game against Nottingham Forest. It will be the Brazilian’s last match at Old Trafford, with an emotional farewell to be expected in front of the home crowd.
The 34-year-old is not the only absentee against Sunderland today (9 May), as both Benjamin Sesko and Manuel Ugarte are also missing.
Sesko was facing a fight for fitness after his shin injury against Liverpool last weekend. However, he has not recovered in time to feature this afternoon against the Black Cats.
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Farewell Closes In
As he prepares to depart this summer, missing an away day at the Stadium of Light is a blow. However, it gives United an insight into how they will look in a post-Casemiro world.
United sit on the cusp of securing third place today. While Aston Villa remain a mathematical threat, United’s significantly superior goal difference of +15 compared to Villa’s +4 provides a massive cushion. A win today allows Casemiro a final farewell next week with the pressure cooker completely turned off, and all the attention on him.
