In a farewell statement on 22/1, Casemiro affirmed that Manchester United "will always be a part of my life". He wrote: "One must know when to close a chapter. One must know when to say goodbye to be respected forever. For the next four months, I will dedicate myself to this jersey and the team's objectives. I will forever respect and love Manchester United and its fans. Forever a Red Devil".

Casemiro in his farewell message to Manchester United at Old Trafford, Manchester, United Kingdom. Photo: screenshot

Manchester United's official website also posted a video of Casemiro's monologue, thanking the club and fans for treating him well from the beginning. "I will support Manchester United until the very end", he added.

According to Athletic, a one-year contract extension clause for Casemiro could automatically activate if he started 35 matches in the 2025-2026 season. However, Manchester United's early elimination from domestic cup competitions makes this scenario improbable. Casemiro would have to start every remaining English Premier League match. The club's management proactively made an early decision to avoid a reactive situation.

The Brazilian midfielder joined Manchester United from Real Madrid in the summer of 2022 for USD 70 million, with a salary among the team's highest, ranging from USD 20 to 24 million annually, depending on Champions League qualification. That was a significant price for a player already 30 years old.

Casemiro no longer maintained the peak physical condition he displayed during his prime at Real Madrid. Nevertheless, in his first season, he played a crucial role in helping Erik ten Hag's squad win the English League Cup.

Casemiro's performance declined from late 2022-2023 through the first half of 2023-2024. Former center-back Jamie Carragher even commented that Casemiro should leave football before football left him. However, at that time, the entire Manchester United squad struggled to adapt to the high-tempo, high-risk playing style under Ten Hag, not just the Brazilian midfielder.

Casemiro has played 146 matches for Manchester United, scoring 21 goals and providing 14 assists. Under coaches Ruben Amorim, Darren Fletcher, and Michael Carrick, he remained a regular choice in midfield, missing only two domestic cup losses due to rotation and some English Premier League matches due to suspension.

Casemiro's professional attitude and fighting spirit earned him high regard. Initially sidelined when Ruben Amorim took charge, he patiently waited for his opportunity and gradually regained a starting position. Casemiro remained a dependable anchor, even with the emergence of promising talent Kobbie Mainoo.

The decision to part ways with Casemiro was announced just days after his outstanding performance in the Manchester derby, where the 33-year-old midfielder was named man of the match. According to Athletic, Manchester United has played more solidly this season with Casemiro on the field, especially in major matches.

Casemiro is also likely to feature in Brazil's squad for the 2026 World Cup in America, Canada, and Mexico. At 34, he will then be free to seek a new club.

Hoang An (via Athletic)