Casemiro is set to leave Manchester United when his contract expires in the summer, but his Brazil and United teammate Matheus Cunha has urged the midfielder to stay at Old Trafford beyond this season
Matheus Cunha has admitted he is trying to convince his Manchester United and Brazil teammate Casemiro to stay at Old Trafford. Casemiro, 34, is expected to depart United in the summer when his contract expires.
The five-time Champions League winner joined the Reds in a £70million transfer from Real Madrid in August 2022 and has since clocked up 154 appearances, netting 24 goals and winning two major trophies. However, his performances over recent months has been among his finest since his arrival at United, with the Brazilian scoring his seventh goal of the season and delivering a standout display in Sunday's 3-1 triumph against Aston Villa.
And after scoring, some United supporters chanted, 'One more year, one more year, Casemiro', as he celebrated in front of the Stretford End. While the Manchester Evening News reports that no internal talks have occurred regarding a U-turn to retain Casemiro at the club, his Brazil and United teammate Cunha has encouraged him to pledge his future to the Reds and remain beyond the end of the 2025/26 campaign.
Speaking after the victory 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."
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Casemiro's performances have been exceptional for United this campaign. He has been a crucial component of the club's improved form since Michael Carrick's appointment in mid-January, with the former Real Madrid star forming a midfield partnership with England international Kobbie Mainoo alongside Bruno Fernandes operating in the No.10 position.
United interim boss Carrick was asked about Casemiro's future and the possibility of him penning a fresh contract during his post-Villa press conference. The 44-year-old didn't dismiss a potential extension for the experienced midfielder – merely two months after confirmation he would depart 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 victory for United over Villa has placed them in a commanding position to clinch a Champions League comeback. The Reds sit in third, now three points clear of Villa in fourth and five ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool.
Next on the agenda for United is a journey to Bournemouth on Friday night. They then commence a three-and-a-half-week hiatus from football owing to the March international break and an FA Cup weekend before welcoming Leeds United.