Matheus Cunha is trying to persuade his Manchester United and Brazil team-mate Casemiro to remain at Old Trafford beyond the end of his current contract
Matheus Cunha and Casemiro in action for Manchester United
Matheus Cunha and Casemiro in action for Manchester United(Image: Getty Images)
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Matheus Cunha has revealed he is pushing to convince Casemiro to stay at Manchester United.
Casemiro, 34, is set to leave United in the summer when his contract expires. The five-time Champions League winner signed for the Reds in a £70million deal from Real Madrid in August 2022 and has since made 154 appearances, scoring 24 goals and winning two major trophies.
But his form across the last couple of months has been among his best since his move to Old Trafford, with the Brazilian netting his seventh goal of the season and starring in Sunday's 3-1 win against Aston Villa.
And after finding the back of the net, some United fans sang, 'One more year, one more year Casemiro', as he celebrated in front of the Stretford End.
Although Manchester Evening News understands that no discussions internally have taken place about a U-turn to keep Casemiro at the club, his Brazil and United team-mate Cunha has urged him to commit his future to the Reds and remain there beyond the end of the season.
Speaking after the win against Villa, Cunha told TNT Sports: "I'm always asking him: 'Come on, stay at Manchester United. Just one year with me, no! Let's go for the second little year...'
"We're very close, he's always helping me, and it's incredibly rewarding to play with him here and with the National Team.
"I always learn from him and understand more and more how he won so many titles. He's reached a stage where he can decide where to play, and I hope it's with us."
Manchester United duo Casemiro and Matheus Cunha celebrate
Manchester United duo Casemiro and Matheus Cunha celebrate (Image: Getty Images)
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Casemiro's performances have stood out for United this season. He has been an integral part of the club's up-turn in form since Michael Carrick's arrival in mid-January, with the ex-Real Madrid man partnering England international Kobbie Mainoo in central midfield with Bruno Fernandes in the No.10 role.
United interim head coach Carrick was asked about Casemiro's future and whether he could indeed sign a new contract in his post-Villa press conference. The 44-year-old didn't rule out a possible extension for the veteran midfielder - just two months after it was confirmed he would leave in the summer.
"I think, in some ways, it's difficult to say, I think when something is decided, in some ways, the fact that it's decided makes things a little bit easier and everyone understands the situation really," Carrick said.
"I think the impact he's had has been terrific, certainly since I've been here and working with him, and his influence in the team and big moments in goals. And I think it was a nice moment at the end there with the supporters, and having that connection and the respect. That was a nice moment and I think he'll enjoy that."
The win for United against Villa has moved them into a strong position to secure a return to the Champions League. The Reds are in third, now three points above Villa in fourth and five ahead of fifth-place Liverpool.
Next up for United is a trip to Bournemouth on Friday night. They then embark on a three-and-a-half week break from football due to the March international break and an FA Cup weekend before hosting Leeds United.