Michael Carrick helplessly must part with MU's most crucial star

Casemiro is performing impressively for Manchester United, but manager Michael Carrick still believes the Brazilian midfielder will leave Old Trafford at the end of the season when his current contract expires.

Manager Michael Carrick believes the likelihood of Casemiro leaving Manchester United at the end of the season remains very high, despite the Brazilian midfielder displaying impressive form and receiving strong support from the fans.

According to the initial plan, both Manchester United and Casemiro had agreed that the 34-year-old midfielder would leave Old Trafford when his contract expires at the end of this season. However, the outstanding performance of the former Real Madrid star recently has led many opinions suggesting the club might consider keeping him for another season.

In the 3-1 victory over Aston Villa recently, Casemiro was the standout figure by directly participating in all three of his team's goals. He opened the scoring for MU before delivering crucial passes leading to goals by Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, thereby helping "The Red Devils" solidify their position in the race to secure a spot for the 2026/27 Champions League season.

Under Carrick, Casemiro has appeared in all 9 matches and is showcasing one of his best playing phases since joining Manchester United four years ago. Nevertheless, his salary reaching £350,000 per week is a factor causing the club's leadership to maintain the stance of letting this midfielder depart to reduce wage burden.

During the win against Aston Villa, fans in the Stretford End stand collectively shouted "one more year, Casemiro." When asked whether MU could change its decision before the season ends, Carrick admitted the current situation is quite clear.

“Sometimes it's hard to say what might happen. But once a decision has been made, things become clearer and everyone understands the situation,” Carrick shared.

The English manager also praised Casemiro's influence extensively: “What he brings is truly fantastic, especially since I started working with him. He has a significant influence in the dressing room, frequently creates crucial moments, and scores valuable goals.”

Casemiro's departure could help Manchester United save over £18 million in wages annually. However, finding a replacement for the Brazilian midfielder will not be a simple task, especially since he has scored 7 goals in this Premier League season and regained peak form in the defensive midfield role.

Having won 5 Champions League titles with Real Madrid, Casemiro also brings valuable experience to the team. Nevertheless, Carrick believes that a player's departure does not necessarily mean the club must find a replacement fitting the exact mold.

“This is absolutely not disrespectful to Casemiro. He has played brilliantly and is a key figure for the team. But in football, players come and go. Some are more important at different times.”

Carrick added: “It's not necessary to find an identical replacement. The club could choose a different direction, depending on squad balance, on-field roles, leadership capabilities, or many other factors.”

“Casemiro has done many wonderful things, and since I arrived here, he truly has been a fantastic player to work with.”