Man Utd fans made their feelings over Casemiro clear as they chanted for the Brazilian to stay for another season during the 3-1 win against Aston Villa at Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick still expects Casemiro to leave Manchester United this summer, despite leaving open the possibility that an effort could be made to try and tempt the Brazilian to stay.
Both parties have come to the decision that the 34-year-old will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of this season, but his recent form has been exceptional and he was involved in all three goals as United beat Aston Villa 3-1.
Casemiro headed in the opener and then played key passes in the build-up to goals for Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko that strengthened United’s grip on a Champions League place.
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The former Real Madrid midfielder has started all nine games under Carrick so far and is playing some of the best football of his four-year stay at Old Trafford, but he is on £350,000-a-week and a departure this summer will help reduce the wage bill.
But the Stretford End chanted ‘one more year, one more year Casemiro’ throughout Sunday’s win and Carrick was asked whether it was possible that a U-turn would be made before the end of the season.
“I think in some ways it’s difficult to say, I think it’s when something’s decided and in some ways the fact that it was decided makes things a little bit easier and everyone understands the situation really,” he said.
“I think the impact he’s had has been terrific, certainly since I’ve been here and working with him and his influence within the team and big moments and goals.
“It was a nice moment at the end there with the supporters and having that connection, and the respect. That was a nice moment. I think you’ll enjoy that one.”
United might save more than £18million a year in wages when Casemiro departs, but replacing him will be a mammoth task. He has seven goals in the Premier League this season and has recovered his form to be one of the division’s standout holding midfielders.
As a five-time Champions League winner for Real Madrid, he also brings bags of experience to the club, but Carrick played down the idea that replacing him would be an almost impossible task.
“I think this is totally no disrespect to Case, he’s been fantastic, he has been a big player for us and has been important in the dressing room and one that I have spoken to and connected with really well,” he said.
“But I think as a club and as a team, your players come and go, some may be bigger, some may be more important than others at different times.
“I don’t think it’s ever really about replacing them like for like, I think you can go with different directions, you understand what the balance of the squad will need, whether that’s on the pitch, off the pitch leadership, positionally, there’s all sorts of different things going into it.
“Case’s done some really, really good things and certainly since I’ve been here he’s been an absolute pleasure to work with.”
