Michael Carrick has insisted he had no involvement in Manchester United’s decision to let Casemiro leave when the season concludes.
The Brazilian midfielder’s deal at Old Trafford is set to run out at the end of the current campaign, with the club already confirming there will be no extension to his contract.
Ahead of United’s meeting with Arsenal, Carrick revealed during his pre-match press conference that Casemiro is “desperate” to end his time at the club on a positive note.
Earlier this week, United formally announced their decision not to renew Casemiro’s contract.
The situation had previously been discussed under former boss Ruben Amorim, who maintained that “no decision” had been reached during his tenure. However, the Portuguese coach has since been dismissed, with Carrick stepping in as interim manager.
In an official statement, United said: “Casemiro will leave Manchester United this summer, upon the expiry of his contract.
“The legendary midfielder has enjoyed four seasons at the club, playing 146 games and scoring 21 goals to date.
“A serial winner, Casemiro was unveiled at Old Trafford in August 2022, and quickly became a fan favourite due to his combative nature and ability to score goals at crucial times.
“The Brazil captain played a major role in helping United to win the 2023 Carabao Cup, scoring a header in a colossal performance against Newcastle United. The 33-year-old also won the Emirates FA Cup in 2024. Supporters will have the opportunity to recognise Casemiro’s contributions at the final home game of the season, against Nottingham Forest.”
Casemiro’s move from Real Madrid in 2022 was viewed as a significant statement of intent, as United heavily backed Erik ten Hag during that summer’s transfer window.
He made an immediate impact in his debut season, helping the club secure a third-place Premier League finish and lift the Carabao Cup, ending a six-year trophy drought.
Things became far less stable in his second year, though. United lacked consistency throughout the campaign and finished eighth, with an unlikely FA Cup victory providing some redemption.
Individually, Casemiro came under fire, most notably from Sky Sports analyst Jamie Carragher, who remarked: “I think Casemiro should know tonight that he should only have another three games left at the top level. The next two league games and the cup final, then he should be thinking, ‘I need to go to the MLS or Saudi’.
“This has to stop because we are watching one of the greats of the modern time. I always remember the saying ‘leave the football before the football leaves you’. The football has left him. At this top level, he needs to call it a day at this level and move.
“The level of that player, he should not be putting himself through this. He is too good of a player to be putting in a performance like that being laughed at by Crystal Palace. He needs to call it a day.”
Looking ahead to Sunday’s trip to the Emirates, Carrick reiterated that the call to move on from the five-time Champions League winner was made before his arrival.
He explained: “I think the announcement for Case was for clarity as much as anything, it was decided anyway before I arrived so it’s not just a knee-jerk kind of decision.
“The type of personality, the character that he is, I think it shows with his performance last week, where he is mentally and how much it means for him to be here and to finish this season strong. I’ve already had that conversation with him and he’s desperate to do well and finish well. It’s good to see, so I’ve got no doubt about him at all.”
Casemiro featured in Carrick’s first starting lineup for the landmark win over Manchester City, delivering a composed display alongside the reinstated Kobbie Mainoo in midfield.
He will likely need another top performance if United are to spring a surprise against Arsenal, who head into the weekend unbeaten in 12 matches across all competitions.
