Manchester United midfielder Casemiro is looking the richest since arriving at Old Trafford in 2022 for a fee worth £70m. So why would the club let him go now?
The veteran Brazil international, who turns 34 later this month, turned back the clock as United secured another dramatic win over Fulham on Sunday, setting up a goal with a sublime no-look pass from Mateus Cunha in the opener.
Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher called him a “completely different player”, while Paul Merson recently praised his influence alongside Kobe Mainu and Bruno Fernandes during the club’s renaissance under Michael Carrick.
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Casemiro produced a moment of magic when he provided a no-look assist for Matheus Cunha in Manchester United’s 3-2 win over Fulham at Old Trafford.
Casemiro started all three games under Carrick but made his impending move official last month with Ruben Amorim still in charge. United had an option for a 12-month extension, but it was decided that a midfield overhaul was planned for the summer, allowing Casemiro to leave.
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Michael Carrick has revealed his decision to leave Manchester United before Casemiro took over as manager.
Sky Sports News’ Rob Dorsett explains the club’s position following calls from fans for a U-turn on the decision.
‘A short-term approach has gotten the club into trouble before’
“Manchester United have decided not to take a short-term approach to recruitment and management, which is what has gotten them into trouble in the past. This has resulted in a number of high-profile players who were not part of the plan receiving big salaries.
“Casemiro is flying high at the moment. He was the man of the match against Fulham. I can understand why a lot of fans are saying, ‘We’re looking for a midfielder, are you willing to let Casemiro go?’
“He turns 34 at the end of this month. He is one of the club’s biggest earners at £325,000 a week. “United know that cannot go on forever. He is at his limit for now but they have to plan for the long term.
“Casemiro will be leaving in the summer. They shot a big farewell video and there is no going back.”
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Casemiro has thanked Manchester United fans after announcing he will leave the club at the end of the season. Video source: Manchester United
What was the right decision to let Casemiro leave?
Sky Sports’ Paul Merson:
“I think so. He has done brilliantly. Playing with Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes makes a difference.
“He needs to move on. He’s 34 and he’s already 35. He’s been the best player. He’s had a lot of worthless sticks because he doesn’t have the legs to make plays himself in midfield if Fernandes goes forward.
“Mainu has helped a lot with that. Michael Carrick’s common sense. But we are talking about the future of United and it is right for them to do what they are doing and let him go.”
Manchester United’s window-by-window approach: midfield next
Sky Sports News’ Rob Dorsett:
“Midfield is where I think United will focus most of their spending in the summer.
“carlos valeva The game at Brighton is on the list. Elliot Anderson People love it in Nottingham Forest Adam Wharton, and joao gomes Wolves have plenty of options. They may even do two things.
“Window after window, they are prioritizing areas of the team. It is a very data-driven approach. Last summer the priority was to score more goals and that is why they invested £280m in three strikers.
“Now they want to address the next imbalance and they will address the midfield. I was under the impression that Anderson was at the top of the list but we are talking over £100m.”
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Jamie Carragher has admitted he was wrong about Casemiro after claiming ‘football had left him’ two years ago.
What do the statistics say?
Sky Sports’ Laura Hunter:
The logic here is clear. Casemiro is an aging midfielder whose fitness has been repeatedly questioned over the past 18 months. Perhaps some of the blame lies with former coach Ruben Amorim. Because it was clear to most that Casemiro no longer had the legs to be the heart of the engine room. The realignment with Kobbie Mainoo has proven invaluable.
Casemiro rallied Manchester United’s midfield against Fulham.
But clearly he still has a lot to offer United between now and the end of the season. Maybe even more than that. However, time is against him and a restructuring of the wage bill will be needed if the club is to achieve its top targets in the summer.
Nonetheless, Casemiro’s value can still be highlighted by his numbers. He has scored as many goals in the Premier League this season as Fernandez (5 goals). Same as Benjamin Sesko. His aerial ability makes him a huge threat from set pieces, with four of his goals being headed goals.
Defensively, he made the most tackles (52) of any United player and recovered the second most possession (51) in midfield, behind Fernandes. His duel win (107) can only be improved upon by Patrick Dorgu. And his qualities on the ball are undeniable.
This upward trend will give him a big welcome in May. But before that, he is proving to be a very resourceful and reliable asset for Carrick to call upon.
