Casemiro announced his summer exit from Manchester United in January but there's hope he may yet stay
Manchester United's Casemiro points to the club badge as he celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford on March 15, 2026 in Manchester, United Kingdom.
Casemiro has grown into a fan favourite at Old Trafford(Image: Lee Parker - CameraSport, CameraSport via Getty Images)
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Casemiro found the net yet again as Manchester United secured a 3-1 victory over Aston Villa.
The Brazilian midfielder announced his planned summer departure from Old Trafford in January, though speculation persists on potential second thoughts given both his personal form and the team's improved performances. The 34-year-old has registered nine goal contributions this season, with four coming since Michael Carrick took charge as interim manager.
Club captain Bruno Fernandes praised his midfield colleague following United's Premier League triumph on Sunday. Speaking light-heartedly about his influence on Casemiro's scoring run, he said: "I told him he should give me a bonus or something like that.
"He said, 'You should give me a bonus because I'm getting you assists for that!' But I'm very pleased that I have a very good connection with him in these type of situations, he moves very well into the positions he wanted.
"His timing is perfect and the way he heads the ball is very good. It makes me very happy he gets goals and I get assists, but I'm just happy he gets the goals for us."
Here, the examines Casemiro's situation, including the possibility of him remaining at the club.
Man United U-turn
Former United player Kleberson has suggested that Casemiro is "thinking about" staying in Manchester, despite previously announcing his departure at the end of the season. In his message to supporters, he stated that the club will stay with him "throughout my entire life" and acknowledged there is still much left "to fight for together."
However, Kleberson remains optimistic that the experienced star might rethink his decision to leave, given his recent upturn in form under Carrick. Speaking to Goal, the former Brazil international said: "I know he cost a lot of money, but he has really brought some leadership to the club.
Manchester United's Brazilian midfielder #18 Casemiro (R) celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on March 15, 2026.
The midfielder could be thinking about staying at United(Image: OLI SCARFF, AFP via Getty Images)
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"That is also why he came back into the Brazilian national team and why he will play in the World Cup. He really brings the leadership and he does that as well in Man United. He is a great team-mate and a great competitor.
"Of course, we can't compare his leadership to Roy Keane's because that was completely different, but he knows the rules at Man United. I think he is happy at Man United, but the club has never been in a good position.
"I still think he would like to stay at Man United, or at least he is thinking about it because it has gone so well under Michael Carrick."
Michael Carrick's stance
Interim manager Carrick believes that Casemiro will still leave United this summer, despite fans' pleas for him to stay. Following the home victory over Aston Villa, chants of 'One more year, one more year Casemiro' could be heard from the Stretford End.
When asked if a reversal could occur before the season's end, Carrick responded: "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.
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.
Carrick has been impressed by the Brazilian(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA, Getty Images)
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"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."
On the subject of finding a replacement for the seasoned midfielder, the former club captain believes it's not an insurmountable challenge. Carrick added: "I think, this is totally no disrespect to Case, he's been fantastic, he has been a big player for us and has been important in the dressing room and one that I have spoken to and connected with really well.
"But I think as a club and as a team, your players come and go, some may be bigger, some may be more important than others at different times. I don't think it's ever really about replacing them like for like.
"I think you can go with different directions, you understand what the balance of the squad will need, whether that's on the pitch, off the pitch leadership, positionally, there's all sorts of different things going into it. Case's done some really, really good things and certainly since I've been here he's been an absolute pleasure to work with."
Contract extension option
United retain a clause in Casemiro's contract that would permit them to prolong his deal by an additional year. The 34-year-old currently stands as the club's top earner, collecting approximately £350,000 per week and a substantial £18.2million per year.
Michael Carrick, manager of Manchester United, embraces Casemiro of Manchester United after winning 3-1 during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford, Manchester, United Kingdom, on March 15, 2026.
Could Casemiro actually extend his contract?(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Kleberson believes United should activate this extension clause. He said: "I really want him to stay at Man United. He knows about the passion the club and the fans have. He is always working hard and plays up to the level you expect from a Man United player.
"To bring a guy in like him will be very tough. Man United used to have a lot of those players, but they don't have these players anymore. Casemiro is like that - Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, he brings that sort of leadership."
However, Casemiro's exit would create considerable room in the wage budget for potential new arrivals during the summer transfer window.