“My objective now is to get this club back into the Champions League. That’s my focus, and I feel like I still have a lot to give here.” — Casemiro has reportedly made a SHOCK U-TURN on his future, now considering staying at Manchester United despite previously planning to leave in June
Despite a groundswell of supporter sentiment urging him to stay, Casemiro has made clear that his decision to leave Manchester United at the end of the season is final.
The 34-year-old announced his departure in January, with his contract set to expire in the summer. Clubs from MLS and Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad are among those already reported to be monitoring his availability. The Brazilian’s form has improved considerably in recent months under Michael Carrick, who stepped in on an interim basis following Ruben Amorim’s exit in January — and that upturn has only fuelled calls from fans for him to reconsider. After netting in the win over Aston Villa earlier this month, supporters made their feelings known with chants of “one more year.”
Speaking to The Athletic in the wake of Brazil’s 2-1 defeat to France, Casemiro acknowledged the affection but held firm. He described the support he has received as overwhelming, and admitted the final weeks at the club are likely to be emotionally difficult — but he was unambiguous that the decision stands.
An additional layer to the story emerged earlier this week. His contract contained a clause that would have automatically extended his stay by a year had he reached 35 starts this season. However, it has been confirmed that both parties have mutually agreed to waive that clause, removing any contractual mechanism that might have kept him at Old Trafford beyond the summer.
Casemiro leaves having been one of United’s standout performers during Carrick’s tenure, but his mind is made up — and the club has accepted it.
