"Leave the football before the football leaves you. The meme-baiting quote from Jamie Carragher hung heavy over Casemiro for a long while, but it is testament to the Brazilian's character and durability that he will leave Manchester United this year on his own terms, two years after those infamous words from the former Liverpool player. In fairness to Carragher, context at the time was key."
"Late-era Casemiro he turns 34 this month added discipline to his game and became wary of his weaknesses when exposed against runners through the middle. He was happy to sit deep and use his remarkable ability to read the play, ready to time those trademark tackles and release more energetic midfield partners. Aerially, he remained a colossus in both penalty boxes."
"Filling the Casemiro void will be expensive for United, even if removing his significant wages offers financial relief. The club have made clear that overhauling their midfield is a top transfer priority, after 2025 was spent restructuring the attack with about 200m splashed on Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko. Of the current crop of midfielders, only Kobbie Mainoo appears locked in for next season."
Casemiro will depart Manchester United this year at age 34 after a period of scrutiny following a 4-0 defeat by Crystal Palace in May 2024. He adapted into a disciplined, deep-lying defensive midfielder who used excellent game reading, timed tackles, aerial strength and the ability to shield more energetic teammates. United managers sometimes failed to build the midfield structure around him, but he remained professional and effective. Replacing Casemiro represents an expensive priority for the club despite wage savings, coming after roughly £200m spent on attacking signings in 2025. Only Kobbie Mainoo currently appears assured for next season.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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