Casemiro will be leaving Manchester United at the end of the season when his contract expires, but his displays under Michael Carrick show he's still got plenty to offer between now and then
Casemiro of Manchester United after his outstanding display vs Fulham
Casemiro of Manchester United after his outstanding display vs Fulham(Image: 2026 James Gill - Danehouse)
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Casemiro was never going to prove a bargain for Manchester United. And it's the precise reason co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has decided to let the Brazilian superstar leave Old Trafford in June.
When Ratcliffe and his INEOS group purchased a stake in United, one of the first things he did was order an interval review of the squad, including each player's contract. And what jumped out at Ratcliffe was the fact Casemiro was earning close to £400,000-a-week.
Ratcliffe knew Casemiro was a world class footballer. What he couldn't get his head around was why United had chosen to invest £70m plus wages in someone who was 30, and had had fitness issues in Madrid. His contract would take him to the age of 34, with United having the option to extend it by a further 12 months.
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Sir Alex Ferguson once said he wouldn't "sell a virus" to Real Madrid. Then went on to have his pants pulled down when United sold Cristiano Ronaldo to the Spanish giants. And Real had the upper hand again in the summer of 2022, when United agreed to sign Casemiro.
Sources in the Spanish capital insisted Real had agreed to let him go for a reason. He was costing them too much money and was considered past his best. So Real's indulgence became United's.
Casemiro's time at United has been something of a rollercoaster. He has helped United win both domestic cups. But he has also been exposed at times in midfield formations which have left him vulnerable to counter attacks,.
Ratcliffe realised Casemiro had been the most expensive of United's short term fixes. One which left him furious. So he made the call to release Casemiro and the farewell video was recorded inside Old Trafford. And it was the right decision.
Casemiro's recent form has been outstanding. He has been the heartbeat of United's mini revival under interim manager Michael Carrick. His 'no-look' pass to set up Matheus Cunha's goal in last weekend's home win over Fulham was vintage Casemiro. A throwback to the footballer who won 18 major trophies with Real, including five Champions League titles.
Casemiro passes the ball to assist Matheus Cunha while looking in the opposite direction
Casemiro passes the ball to assist Matheus Cunha while looking in the opposite direction(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
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At least Casemiro is doing his upmost to go out with a bang. Which is the least he can do, considering how much he is getting paid. It has led to some sections of United supporters questioning the merits of allowing him to leave. But such a lack of vision and foresight is ridiculous.
His form is a result of Carrick having the wit to stick Kobbie Mainoo alongside him in midfield. It gives him the time and space to be more effective on the ball. Casemiro is not the future. The likes of Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson are. Casemiro has been a sticking plaster which, in the main, hasn't worked.
But those three midfield targets mentioned above are all capable of becoming long-term solutions and successes at United. We just have to wait and see what comes next.