Leny Yoro gives verdict on potential Casemiro U-turn by Manchester United


Man Utd midfielder Casemiro is set to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season following the expiration of his contract.

Leny Yoro has admitted “everyone wanted” Casemiro to stay at Manchester United. In January, United announced that Casemiro would leave following the expiration of his contract in the summer.

United agreed to Casemiro’s request to confirm his summer departure, and a video with the Brazilian explaining his decision was released on club channels. United sources said the decision not to renew Casemiro’s contract had been made well in advance of the announcement.

There are no plans to make a U-turn on the decision to allow Casemiro to leave, but United fans chanted “one more year, one more year, Casemiro,” throughout the Aston Villa game on Sunday.

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Casemiro opened the scoring at the start of the second half with a header from a corner. The Brazilian has seven goals in the Premier League, his best return in a single campaign in Europe’s big-five leagues.

The 34-year-old received a rapturous ovation when he was substituted against Villa, and chants of “one more year, Casemiro” were aired from the Stretford End again after the final whistle.

Yoro spoke to reporters in the mixed zone, and he was asked about Casemiro’s pending exit from United. “Everyone wanted him to stay, he’s a really important player for us, he showed it again today,” he said.

“Even in the dressing room, every day, he has the experience that no one else has in the team. He won everything, so this helped us a lot in the games and even outside the pitch.”

Harry Maguire is another senior member of the dressing room who is out of contract at the end of the season. Talks are ongoing to extend Maguire’s future at the club beyond the summer.

Yoro said it would be a boost for the club for Maguire to stay: “Yeah, having Harry in the team is good for us. If he can stay next season, it’s really good for us, so I hope he’s going to extend his contract and he can stay with us. We’ll see, we’ll see anyway.”

When asked whether it helped playing alongside Maguire, Yoro said: “Of course, with all the experiences he has, he gave a lot of tips, he spoke to me a lot on the pitch, so this helped me a lot.

“He always speaks with me, sometimes he speaks before the game, or at half time, about positioning as well, so playing with him is really good for me. We speak a lot. Even before the game, during the week, we speak a lot about the opponent.”

Last month, Michael Carrick hinted he wanted Maguire to sign a new deal. “Harry’s an impressive character. He’s had a great career so far. Hopefully there’s a lot more to come,” Carrick said. “He has been here in the journey and the experiences that he’s had, certainly since he’s been here and with England as well. I think it shows exactly what he is.

“I think we all know the player that he is and what he’s capable of doing. Again, the other night there, I thought he was fantastic. Experience helps, and his attributes help with that, and his character, his willingness to put himself out there, and he is really impressive, and he has been really important for us.”


What Casemiro did to Man United supporters after scoring vs Aston Villa


Casemiro scored Manchester United’s opening goal in the 3-1 win against Aston Villa on Sunday and produced a cryptic celebration in the process

Casemiro pointed straight at the Manchester United badge when celebrating scoring his side’s opening goal in the 3-1 win against Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.

The Brazilian, who is set to leave Old Trafford at the end of his contract in June, has been one of United’s outstanding performers this season and he impressed once again as the Reds beat Villa. Indeed, Casemiro, 34, was solid throughout and broke the deadlock for the Reds just after half-time.

In the 53rd minute, Bruno Fernandes’ floated corner was headed on by Casemiro and the ball bounced off the inside of the post and nested into the back of the net.

And as the five-time Champions League winner ran off to celebrate into North West corner, he pointed at the United badge on a number of occasions before pulling his finger to the side of his head and then in the direction of the jubilant supporters in the Stretford End.

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Speaking after Casemiro’s goal, ex-United defender Gary Neville said on co-commentary for Sky Sports: “I said in the first half while they might replace him positionally in midfield, it’s going to be very difficult to replace him in both boxes because he is sensational at getting first contact on headers.

“And the badge is presented to the Stretford End by the Brazilian. He just gets up so early, it’s a brilliant, brilliant header. It’s a really good glance into that far corner, it couldn’t be any better in-off the post.”

Casemiro confirmed in January that he will leave United when his contract expires at the end of the season. He signed for the Reds in a £70million deal from Real Madrid in August 2022, and following a mixed first two years in Manchester, his form has improved tenfold across the last 18 months.

This season, Casemiro has stood out and his seven goals in 27 appearances is his joint-most prolific one to date in his professional club career. He is a threat in both boxes and showed that again for United against Villa.

But while United fans have just eight league matches left to see Casemiro in action for the Reds, there has been some talk that he could produce a U-Turn and sign a new contract.

And with Casemiro pointing straight at the United badge in his celebration could be a hint that he might still remain at the Reds following the 2025/26 season – something many Reds fans would be delighted about.

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Five Marcus Rashford replacements targets named as transfer U-turn demand issued


Manchester United have enjoyed a break thanks to their early FA Cup exit as Michael Carrick’s side look to bounce back from a loss to Newcastle

Michael Carrick and Manchester United are experiencing an extended break following their 2-1 defeat to Newcastle. United were absent from FA Cup action over the weekend after being knocked out in January by Brighton.

Manager Carrick endured his first loss in the Old Trafford dugout last week when his team travelled to St. James’ Park. A late William Osula strike made it 2-1 and clinched all three points for the hosts.

Up next for Carrick’s side is a fixture against fellow top-four contenders Aston Villa, where Marcus Rashford spent half of last season on loan. The England international is currently excelling for Barcelona.

A £26million purchase option in the 28-year-old’s agreement is anticipated to be activated by the Catalan side and a list of potential replacements United could target has emerged. The Manchester Evening News provides you with the latest developments from Old Trafford.

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Marcus Rashford replacements ‘shortlisted’

Having moved to Spain last summer on an initial loan arrangement, Rashford has made an impression. He has netted 10 goals and provided 13 assists for Barcelona across all competitions so far this season.

Rashford has flourished under Hansi Flick and the anticipation is that Barcelona will exercise the option to sign him on a permanent basis, whether that be the £26m reported clause or a reduced negotiated figure. Should Rashford depart, then United would probably seek to acquire a replacement. According to reports, there are five names on their shortlist.

United are believed to have RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande and Como 1907’s Jesus Rodriguez on their radar, whilst Strasbourg winger Martial Godo is also being assessed.

Furthermore, United are said to be tracking Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye, who offers direct running ability and top-flight experience. Meanwhile, reports suggest Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola is emerging as a prime target.

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Casemiro U-turn appeal

One United player who appears almost certain to be departing at the season’s end is Casemiro. The Brazilian midfielder’s contract expires in the summer and the club have already announced they won’t be extending it.

Yet in recent months, the 34-year-old has been producing performances of exceptional quality, prompting United legend Bryan Robson to urge Carrick to reverse the decision to allow his exit.

Robson told BoyleSports: “I would encourage Casemiro to stay. He’s had a really good season this year. He’s a top player. He’s got a great football brain. He’s a really good passer of the ball.

“He heads the ball well and when he goes in to tackle, he means it. You don’t stay at Real Madrid for the amount of years he did and win Champions League titles if you’re not an absolute top player.

“People see what you’re really good at. So I think next season he could definitely give us a little bit more with his experience. He was great in Europe last year too.”

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Casemiro lines up next move after Man United exit despite plea to stay


Manchester United announced during January that Casemiro would leave this summer when his contract expires, but the player has yet to agree a free transfer away

Casemiro wants to leave Manchester United for another top European club this summer rather than moving to Saudi Arabia or the United States.

United announced during January that the midfielder will leave when his contract expires on 30 June. Casemiro’s deal includes an option to extend by an additional year, but the club have decided not to re-sign him for a fifth season.

With less than six months remaining on his current contract, the Brazil international can sign a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside of England. Any deal has yet to become public, but Casemiro is said to be keen on staying in Europe.

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The Sun claims sources close to the player have indicated Italy is a potential destination. They highlight his former Real Madrid teammate Luka Modric’s signing for AC Milan last summer as an example.

Casemiro is six-and-a-half years younger than the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner, who turned 40 in September. He has also spent the last 13 years of his career in Europe since leaving Sao Paulo in January 2013, initially on loan, for Madrid.

Talk of a move to Italy follows the former United centre-forward Dion Dublin’s plea for Casemiro to stay. He told OLBG United should spend some of their transfer budget on giving him a new deal.

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“[Casemiro’s] been sort of 75% and he’s had his dips where people said, ‘oh, his legs are gone, oh, his legs are gone, he can’t run around anymore, he can’t do this, he can’t do that. To be honest with you, I retired at 39; my legs went about 33.

“If you can do your job and you’re clever with it, then I think you’ll have a long time in the game. I retired at 39, so I knew how to manage my body.

“The managers that I had knew how to manage me,’ just do two or three days of training, that’s fine,’ because they knew what they’d get on a match day. I think it’s the same with Casemiro.

“His footballing brain and knowledge are just outstanding. If you watch Casemiro, who tries to play a pass and it gets cut out, and then the other team go and breaks, and they might have had a chance, but if that pass comes up again, he’ll try it again.

“I just think you have to try and find somebody when he goes, that’s as brave as him, as clever as him, and as Man United as him, to be honest with you, because he’s loved it. Absolutely, I like watching him play.”

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Sky shows at least 215 live Premier League games each season, an increase of up to 100, plus Formula 1, darts, golf and more.


Man United star ‘lines up next move’ for summer despite Carrick’s strong belief


Casemiro is set to become a free agent when his Manchester United contract expires at the end of the season, after a decision was made not to trigger a one-year option

Major League Soccer (MLS) has emerged as a potential next destination for Manchester United midfielder Casemiro when his contract expires and he leaves Old Trafford at the end of the season.

United confirmed last month that Casemiro, 34, will depart the Reds this summer after four years at the club. During his time in Manchester to date, the Brazilian has made 150 appearances, scoring 22 goals.

While there was talk that United might extend Casemiro’s contract due to his up-turn his form across the last 12 months, the Reds have opted not to trigger the one-year option they have on his current deal.

It does mean, however, that Casemiro is set to become a free agent and there is significant interest in the five-time Champions League winner. Indeed, according to The Telegraph, MLS clubs are eyeing up a move for Casemiro, who is said to be drawn to the prospect of playing football in the United States.

Lionel Messi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and David Beckham are among the high-profile players that have moved out to the MLS in recent years, and Casemiro, who was recently on holiday in Miami, could be the next.

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But, despite the interest from the MLS, United interim head coach Michael Carrick believes Casemiro can still play at the highest level, which could open the door for him to play against the Reds next season.

Carrick has been impressed by Casemiro since his appointed as United’s head coach, with the ex-Middlesbrough boss crediting the veteran for raising the level in training and setting an example to his team-mates.

“I’m sure he can, he’s playing as good a level as he’s played at for some time at the moment, and it’s great to see in so many ways,” Carrick said, when speaking about Casemiro still playing at the highest level.

“The experience, technically, game understanding, just composure in certain moments, he’s in a really good place.

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“I’ve got to say, Cas has been fantastic since I came really, on and off the pitch. Experience is a great thing if you use it in the right way, and again, I think over time being a senior player here is almost the responsibility of the example, and helping the younger players, helping the rest of the boys, and passing on your experiences in a positive way. He’s been top since I came, in so many ways, and he’s been a pleasure to work with.”

Casemiro has started in each of Carrick’s first five matches since returning to the United dugout. The ex-Real Madrid man has scored once and grabbed one assist in that time, with both coming in the 3-2 win against Fulham.

United head to Everton on Monday night looking to extend their unbeaten run to 10 matches in the Premier League. The Reds last tasted defeat in the top flight back on Sunday, December 21 in a 2-1 loss at Aston Villa.

They sit fifth in the Premier League table, level on points with fourth-place Chelsea and Liverpool in sixth. But the Reds will open up a three-point gap on their Champions League rivals with a crucial win at Everton.

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Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.


Maguire claims Carrick has already got best out of one Man Utd star


Manchester United have turned a corner under Michael Carrick and Harry Maguire reckons ex-Real Madrid star Casemiro is benefitting from that.

Harry Maguire believes the arrival of Michael Carrick has taken Casemiro’s game to another level at Manchester United.

Casemiro is due to leave United at the end of his contract this summer, but the veteran midfielder is putting in a run of brilliant performances. Casemiro has been one of the standout members of this campaign and, since the arrival of Carrick, his importance to the squad has increased as they strive towards qualifying for the Champions League.

The 33-year-old found the back of the net on Tuesday night against West Ham United, however, his headed effort was ruled out after he strayed offside. Despite that, Casemiro has come in for praise from his teammate as Maguire highlights the immediate impact that Carrick has had.

He said: “I always say, as a footballer, if the structure is good you can perform, and you can look a good player but the structure’s got to be good around you.

“I think with Case as well, I think we’ve seen over the last couple of games when the structure’s good around Case, he’s still a magnificent central midfielder.”

United will be looking to add reinforcements to their midfield ranks in the summer.

That’s amid ongoing links to Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson.

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Casemiro, 33, is set to bid farewell after four years at the club following his £70million move from Real Madrid in 2022. Announcing his exit, he revealed that he would carry his time at Old Trafford with him for the rest of his life.

He said: “I will carry Manchester United with me throughout my entire life.

“It is not time to say goodbye; there are many more memories to create during the next four months.

“We still have a lot to fight for together; my complete focus will, as always, remain on giving everything to help our club to succeed.”

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