Manchester United have confirmed that it will not reverse its decision to release veteran midfielder Casemiro at the end of the season. Despite his strong performances this season, the club has decided not to offer a new deal to the former Real Madrid midfielder.
The Brazilian player, aged 34, announced in January that he would leave Manchester United when his £350,000-a-week contract expires. The club has no plans to reassess their decision even after a series of excellent performances by Casemiro.
Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe had previously expressed disbelief over Casemiro's £18.2m annual salary and pledged to reduce costs. This is believed to be one of the reasons behind not triggering an extension on Casemiro's contract.
Aiming for long-term squad overhaul
Manchester United wanted to make this decision early as part of their long-term squad overhaul strategy. The club aims at restructuring its team and reducing costs simultaneously. Casemiro requested that this news be made public early enough so as not to cause any confusion towards the end of the season.
Since then, however, Casemiro has delivered a series of outstanding performances which have ignited pleas from fans for him stay another year with Manchester United. He scored his seventh goal of the season against Aston Villa recently - six out these seven goals were headers - and celebrated by pointing repeatedly at his club badge in front of cheering fans who chanted "One more year, Casemiro".
Captain Bruno Fernandes and defender Leny Yoro also expressed their hopes after the game that he would remain with them at Old Trafford. Despite these sentiments from teammates and fans alike, sources have told BBC Sport that there are no plans within Manchester United management circles for a U-turn on Casemiro's future at Old Trafford. Interim head coach Michael Carrick also suggested that there will be no reversal of the decision regarding Casemiro's future with the club.
Michael Carrick, Manchester United manager, said:
"When something is decided it makes it a little bit easier and everyone understands the situation,"
"The impact he's had has been terrific, through his influence within the team and with big moments and goals. here was a nice moment at the end with the supporters. He'll enjoy that one.
While fans and teammates may hope for a change in decision, it appears that Manchester United is standing firm on its initial plan to release Casemiro at the end of this season.
