Manchester United announced in January that Casemiro would be leaving Old Trafford at the end of this season, but fans are calling for him to stay after his exploits under Michael Carrick
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 15: Casemiro of Manchester United celebrates after scoring the first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford on March 15, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Casemiro's deal expires this summer(Image: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
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Wayne Rooney has told Manchester United to U-turn on their decision to let Casemiro leave at the end of this season. Casemiro, 34, headed home a Bruno Fernandes corner to open the scoring in United's impressive 3-1 win against Aston Villa on Sunday.
The Brazil captain was subbed off in the closing stages as fans pleaded for 'one more year', with his £375,000-a-week contract set to expire on June 30. United had the option to extend his deal by a further 12 months but decided not to, announcing in January that Casemiro would depart this summer.
Rooney, however, wants the former Real Madrid star to stay, admitting that he also believed Casemiro's time at Old Trafford was up before he rediscovered his form under interim manager Michael Carrick. On the Match of the Day, Rooney was asked if he'd revisit the option in the midfielder's contract.
"I would now," the United legend replied. "I said early on in his time at Manchester United I didn't think he quite had the legs to get round. I think a few people felt the same, but I take that back. I think he's been absolutely fantastic."
Fellow pundit Micah Richards agreed, highlighting Casemiro's improvement since Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim and changed United's formation to one which the five-time Champions League winner is more used to. "Again, we got back to the formation," Richards explained.
"If he's playing in a two with Fernandes, and Fernandes is going to get the ball and explore and create, he's gonna be left alone. The difference is him and [Kobbie] Mainoo doing the job.
"One hundred per cent [I would try to convince Casemiro to stay]. Because he's so good on set pieces as well and just experience.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 15: Michael Carrick manager / head coach of Manchester United embraces Casemiro after the Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford on March 15, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
Michael Carrick was also quizzed on Casemiro's future(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
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"He's been at Real Madrid and to have that experience in the dressing room, and not only that, his performances, I think he's owed that now."
Casemiro has scored three goals in nine games since Carrick was appointed, all from set pieces delivered by Fernandes. The Red Devils boss was asked in his post-match press conference whether United could reverse their decision.
"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," Carrick admitted.
"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."