Man Utd urged to complete dramatic Casemiro u-turn

Manchester United are being urged to complete a dramatic u-turn and offer departing midfielder Casemiro a new one-year contract.

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The Red Devils announced in January that the Brazil international will leave the club once his current deal expires at the end of the season.

However, Casemiro - who joined United from Real Madrid for €80 million in 2022 - has since played a key role in the Old Trafford club all-but securing qualification for next season’s Champions League.

Since the news broke that Casemiro will end his four-season stay at United in the summer, the 34-year-old has scored five Premier League goals for Michael Carrick’s in-form side.

His latest strike came in United’s 2-1 league victory over Brentford on Monday - a win which has seen the 20-time league champions move 11 points clear of sixth-placed Brighton and Hove Albion in a coveted Champions League qualification spot.

And following his latest goalscoring heroics, United officials have now been told to reconsider keeping hold of Casemiro for at least one more season.

After the full-time whistle sounded around the Theatre of Dreams following the victory over Keith Andrews’ Brentford, a large section of United fans were captured chanting “One more season, one more season, Casemiro…”

And the former Porto and Sao Paolo ace took to social media himself after the all-important three points were secured, uploading an image of him kissing the United badge following his 11th-minute header.

However, while Casemiro continues to prove his worth on the pitch, BBC Sport revealed in March that the United hierarchy have no plans to reverse their decision to allow the midfielder to leave on a free transfer.

Interim United boss Carrick has also suggested the club are not looking to retain Casemiro’s services despite his strong performances, telling reporters last month: "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. There was a nice moment at the end with the supporters. He'll enjoy that one.”

Casemiro will be hoping to continue his fine form in front of goal when United play host to fierce rivals Liverpool on Sunday, with Arne Slot’s visitors just three points behind Carrick’s men in fourth.

United will then travel to Sunderland on Saturday, 9 May before Casemiro is expected to bid farewell to Old Trafford when his side entertain Nottingham Forest on Sunday, 17 May, in what is their final home fixture of the season before travelling to Brighton on the last day of the season on Sunday, 24 May.

Analysis: Should United reconsider keeping hold of Casemiro?

While Casemiro deserves plaudits for continuing to produce the goods despite his impending departure, it appears United are content with their decision to allow him to leave upon the expiration of his contract.

And that stance makes sense when you consider Casemiro is believed to be earning €404,000-a-week at the age of 34, with United looking to recoup those wages ahead of a planned midfield revamp in the summer.

The Red Devils have been linked with a host of younger alternatives to Casemiro in recent weeks, with Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson and Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni believed to be high on their wishlist.

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