‘He’s an emotional guy and it means a lot to him’

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro’s departure at the end of the season is “pretty clear from both sides” despite his “connection” with fans and prolific form, according to interim head coach Michael Carrick.

Five-time Champions League winner Casemiro has scored as many times in United’s last six matches as he did in his first 21 appearances of the season, with three of the four goals coming across each of United’s last three home games and some fans at Old Trafford calling for the 34-year-old to be given a new contract.

“Cas has had an influence within the group,” Carrick replied when he was asked whether the situation is certain, speaking a month after Casemiro predicted he would find leaving “difficult” but said he believed the decision “is made and done”.

“He’s got huge experience, he’s a big player and he’s achieved an awful lot in the game. Since I’ve been here, he’s given everything he could possibly given.

“The situation has probably helped, knowing exactly where he’s at [leaving] – there’s nothing to hide and he’s thrown himself right into it.”

What is Casemiro’s contract situation at Man United?

Casemiro, who joined United from Real Madrid for a reported initial fee of £60 million in 2022, announced in January that he will leave when his £350,000-a-week contract expires imminently.

United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is widely reported to have questioned the fee and salary involved in signing the Brazil international before the businessman took over the football operations side of the club in February 2024.

“I am still enjoying it a lot,” Casemiro said of his time at United, via The Athletic. “I am enjoying myself right now.

“Above all, Michael [Carrick] is a specialist in my position on the field. He was a truly great player. That makes everything much easier and he is always talking to us.”

Former United midfielder Carrick succeeded the sacked Ruben Amorim in January until the end of the season.

“It’s nice that he’s got that connection with the supporters,” the 44-year-old said of Casemiro, who headed his latest goal during the 2-1 win over Brentford on Monday to help United close in on a return to the Champions League for the first time since 2023/24.

“It goes both ways because I know he’s an emotional guy and it means a lot to him.”

Why Man United should release Casemiro: ‘He’s had his day’

Casemiro was “really exposed” during United’s underwhelming first half of the season under Amorim, according to former Premier League top scorer Chris Sutton.

“Under Michael Carrick his numbers have improved, his performance level has improved and so has the Manchester United team,” Sutton told BBC Sport, calling talk of a turnaround over his decision to leave “sentimental guff”.

“He’s done OK but he’s had his day. If Manchester United really want to move forward as a club, Casemiro isn’t the future.

“He’s been a great player and you’d give your right arm to have a career like him. But he just doesn’t have the legs he once had.

“If Manchester United want to move to that next level, he’s not for next season. If he wants £350,000 to be good in the dressing room, I don’t think they will pay that.”

Champions League qualification: United ‘want to be higher’

United were outside the guaranteed Champions League qualification places and 11 points behind their current position of third after a 1-1 home draw with Leeds United in Amorim’s final game in charge on January 4.

They have taken 29 points from 13 league matches under Carrick and now need a maximum of two from their final four games of the campaign to ensure they finish in the top five.

“We’re given ourselves a great chance,” said Carrick, crediting his players for recovering from a run of four points from four games by beating Chelsea and the Bees.

“These last two results have been big for that. It’s a tough league to get wins in. Champions League is one thing, but it’s not something we should be over-celebrating.

“We want to be finishing higher up the league and challenging higher up and getting more points. Our season doesn’t get to a close… we’ve put ourselves in a good position, but there’s more work to be done.”

Casemiro put United in front in the 11th minute and Benjamin Sesko doubled their lead with a strike two minutes before half-time, with Mathias Jensen replying from long range for Brentford three minutes from time.

What’s next? Manchester United fixtures, schedule

United are at home again on Sunday, when they will aim to stay above Liverpool, who are immediately behind them by three points.