Casemiro: Man United star makes final decision on Old Trafford future | OneFootball

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has delivered an emphatic update on his long-term future at Old Trafford amid growing calls for the club to offer him a new contract.

The Brazilian Behemoth

Despite having looked a shadow of his former self a few years ago, Casemiro has enjoyed a resurgent campaign this season. Under the guidance of interim manager Michael Carrick, who replaced Ruben Amorim in January, the 34-year-old is arguably playing the best football of his United career.

Carrick has reverted the team to a more familiar 4-2-3-1 formation after 14 months of Amorim’s unsuccessful three-at-the-back system, resulting in an immediate upturn in results. Since the 44-year-old Englishman took charge, the Red Devils have played ten times, winning seven, drawing two and losing just once – the best form in the Premier League.

Deployed alongside Kobbie Mainoo in a double pivot in midfield, Casemiro has been at the heart of this superb run, which has put United in firm control of the hunt for Champions League qualification. He has scored three times and assisted another, while providing a level of defensive stability no other option in the squad can offer.

Earlier in the season, the Brazilian also reclaimed his place with the national side, captaining the Seleção and securing his ticket to the World Cup in North America this summer.

It was announced in January that Casemiro would leave at the end of this campaign, with a host of clubs in Europe, Saudi Arabia and the United States having since explored a free transfer this summer. However, there is a growing sense United should consider reversing this decision not to offer a contract extension, given the scale of the midfield rebuild his departure will necessitate.

After he scored against Aston Villa earlier this month, the Old Trafford faithful chanted “one more year, one more year!” as the former Real Madrid star departed the field. There have been similar calls from pundits and journalists alike.

However, speaking in an exclusive interview with The Athletic, Casemiro reaffirmed his decision to depart once this campaign finishes.

No Change of Heart

Speaking in Boston after Brazil fell to a 2-1 loss to France last night, the midfielder said: “I am still enjoying it a lot (in Manchester). I believe the announcement is now done. It is huge, the affection that the fans have shown towards me. But I do really believe the decision is made and done. I am enjoying myself right now. I believe it will be some difficult (emotional) moments, these (final) games at Manchester United.

There is a clause in his contract which would see an automatic one-year extension triggered should he play a certain number of games, believed to be around 35. However, the club will “not be activating it”, nor does there appear to be any desire to do so from the player.

Casemiro was adamant that his departure will not detract from his laser focus on helping United return to the Champions League next season. “I feel like we are in a good dynamic right now in Manchester and my objective now is to get the club back into the Champions League,” he stated, before going on to praise the impact of Carrick, a former holding midfielder himself.

“Above all, Michael is a specialist in my position on the field, he was a truly great player. That makes everything much easier and he is always talking to us.”

Final Thoughts

There is a strong argument for Casemiro remaining in place beyond this season, provided he is willing to accept a significant reduction in wages. An elder statesman in the dressing room, who has won everything elite football has to offer, would be a fantastic mentor for two new midfielders, such as Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton, to learn from.

However, the Brazilian is likely to be offered a comparable salary, if not more, elsewhere this summer, as well as the prospect of a far sunnier environment than Manchester. Neither the club nor the player will be willing to compromise enough to make a deal viable – and a clean break, with a heartfelt goodbye, is the best option for both parties.

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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