Casemiro not thinking about reversing Manchester United decision

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has reiterated that he will not reconsider his decision to leave Old Trafford when his contract expires in June, despite a late-season surge in form and vocal pleas from supporters for “one more year.”

The 34-year-old Brazilian, who confirmed his intention to depart on 22 January, has attracted interest from Major League Soccer clubs Inter Miami and LA Galaxy, according to The Athletic. Both sides are eyeing a free-transfer move once his deal lapses this summer.

Casemiro’s recent performances have added emotional weight to the farewell tour. After scoring the opening goal in United’s 15 March victory over Aston Villa, and again during a late cameo, home fans serenaded him with chants urging him to extend his stay. The player, however, remains unmoved.

“I am still enjoying it a lot [in Manchester],” Casemiro told reporters following Brazil’s 2-1 loss to France in Boston on Thursday. “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.”

Although Casemiro’s contract contains a one-year extension clause that would have been activated after 35 starts this season, United will not trigger it. The club have paid the defensive midfielder £15 million per season during their three campaigns outside the Champions League and £18 million for their solitary top-tier European season in 2023-24.

The timing of Casemiro’s renaissance has coincided with a tactical shift under new head coach Michael Carrick, who replaced Ruben Amorim on 13 January. Carrick’s switch to a 4-2-3-1 has paired Casemiro with academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo, a partnership that has helped propel United to third place in the Premier League table with seven matches remaining.

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

Before returning to England, Casemiro will line up for Brazil in a friendly against Croatia in the United States on Tuesday. United’s next league fixture is not until 13 April, when Leeds United visit Old Trafford. In the interim, Carrick’s squad will stage a training camp in Dublin at the start of next month as they attempt to secure a top-four finish.