Michael Carrick answers question on possible Casemiro U-turn after eye-catching display

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Michael Carrick still believes that Casemiro will leave Manchester United this summer , despite suggestions that the club could try to convince him to stay. Both parties have agreed that the 34-year-old will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of this season.

However, his recent performances have been outstanding, as evidenced by him playing a part in all three goals as United thumped Aston Villa 3-1 on Sunday. Casemiro netted the first goal and then provided crucial passes leading up to goals for Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, bolstering United's hold on a Champions League spot for 2026/27.

The ex-Real Madrid midfielder has featured in all nine matches under Carrick's management so far and is showcasing some of the finest football of his four-year tenure at Old Trafford. However, he earns £350,000-a-week, and his departure this summer will aid in trimming United's wage bill.

But during Sunday's victory, the Stretford End chanted 'one more year, one more year Casemiro', and Carrick was questioned whether a reversal could be made before the season's end. He replied: "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.

"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."

United could save upwards of £18million annually in wages when Casemiro leaves, but finding a replacement will be an enormous challenge. He's netted seven goals in the Premier League this campaign and has rediscovered his form to become one of the division's outstanding holding midfielders.

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As a five-time Champions League victor with Real Madrid , he also brings considerable experience to the club, though Carrick dismissed suggestions that replacing him would be a near-impossible undertaking. He added: "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.

"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.

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"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."

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