Michael Carrick asked if Man Utd will perform Casemiro U-turn after Villa goal | Football | Sport

Michael Carrick still expects Casemiro’s departure from Manchester United this summer, despite leaving the door ajar on the possibility of persuading the Brazilian to extend his stay. Both the club and player have mutually agreed that the 34-year-old will depart when his contract concludes at the end of the campaign, yet his recent performances have been outstanding, with the midfielder instrumental in all three goals as United defeated Aston Villa 3-1 on Sunday.

Casemiro scored the opener with a header before delivering crucial passes in the build-up to strikes from Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, further consolidating United’s position in the Champions League spots. The ex-Real Madrid midfielder has featured from the start in all nine matches under Carrick and is producing some of his finest football throughout his four-year tenure at Old Trafford, though his £350,000-a-week wages mean a summer exit would significantly ease the club’s financial burden.

However, the Stretford End repeatedly chanted “one more year, one more year Casemiro” throughout Sunday’s victory, prompting questions for Carrick over whether the club might reconsider their position before the season draws to a close. “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,” he said.

“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. That was a nice moment. I think you’ll enjoy that one.”

United could potentially save up to £18million annually in wages once Casemiro moves on, though finding a suitable replacement represents a considerable challenge. He has netted seven Premier League goals this campaign and has rediscovered his best form to become one of the division’s best holding midfielders.

As a five-time Champions League victor with Real Madrid, he also contributes invaluable experience to the squad, yet Carrick dismissed suggestions that finding his successor would prove nearly impossible.

“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,” he said.

“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.”