Manchester United (MU) is set to bid farewell to Casemiro at the conclusion of the 2025/26 season. The Brazilian midfielder announced his departure from Old Trafford, closing a four-year chapter filled with highs, lows, and unforgettable moments for both player and club.
Despite having a one-year extension option in his contract, Manchester United decided not to activate it. Casemiro, who arrived from Real Madrid in August 2022 for a reported £70 million, made an immediate impact and left an indelible mark during his time at the club.
At 33 years old, Casemiro has made 146 appearances across all competitions for MU, including 21 matches in the current campaign. His tenure brought two major trophies—the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup—while also seeing him navigate an extraordinary number of managerial changes.
In an emotional farewell, Casemiro expressed his connection to the club: “I will carry Manchester United with me for the rest of my life. From the first day I stepped onto this beautiful stadium, I felt the passion of Old Trafford and the love that I now share with the fans for this special club.”
2022/23: Immediate Impact and Early Glory
Casemiro’s arrival came after Manchester United abandoned a lengthy pursuit of Frenkie de Jong. The move for the five-time UEFA Champions League winner was swift and decisive. MU paid £60 million for the Brazilian, a fee seen as fair for a player of his caliber, despite the £350,000 weekly wage and four-year contract raising some eyebrows.
Joining a team struggling under Erik ten Hag, Casemiro quickly became a key figure. He made his debut as a substitute against Southampton and wore the iconic number 18 jersey, previously donned by Bruno Fernandes and club legend Paul Scholes, whom Casemiro idolized.
He scored his first goal for the club with a crucial late equalizer against Chelsea, won Player of the Month in October, and helped MU remain unbeaten in 17 consecutive matches alongside new signing Christian Eriksen. Despite a few setbacks, including two controversial red cards and an injury to Eriksen, Casemiro finished the season with over 50 appearances and a standout performance in the Carabao Cup final, helping MU secure a 2-0 victory over Newcastle.
However, the season ended on a bittersweet note after a humiliating 0-7 loss to Liverpool at Anfield, highlighting the rollercoaster nature of his first year.
2023/24: Turbulence and Challenges
The following season proved much more difficult. Erik ten Hag experimented with Mason Mount as Casemiro’s midfield partner, but the pairing faltered. Defensive errors, including costly mistakes by new goalkeeper Andre Onana, led to early exits from the Champions League group stage despite Casemiro scoring twice against Bayern Munich.
Casemiro faced further adversity, including a red card against Galatasaray and playing out of position in the FA Cup semifinals due to injuries. While he scored vital goals en route to the FA Cup final, he was surprisingly omitted from the final squad. The season raised questions about his £350,000 weekly wage, particularly from new investors, yet Manchester United ultimately retained him for another campaign.
2024/25: Redemption and Consistency
Casemiro began the 2024/25 season under pressure, struggling in early defeats including a 0-3 home loss to Liverpool. New signings like Manuel Ugarte and emerging talent Toby Collyer threatened his position in midfield.
The dismissal of Erik ten Hag offered Casemiro a lifeline under interim coach Ruud van Nistelrooy. He forged a productive partnership with Ugarte, securing three wins and a draw in four matches. Under Ruben Amorim, Casemiro initially struggled for playing time, but by March 2025, he had regained the manager’s trust, showcasing his adaptability and tactical intelligence.
His performances culminated in crucial contributions, including a dramatic comeback against Lyon, reaffirming his value to Manchester United and earning him a recall to the Brazil national team. Despite hopes of a third trophy, United lost the Europa League final to Tottenham, leaving Casemiro with mixed emotions at the season’s end.
2025/26: Leadership and Final Farewell
Entering the 2025/26 season at full fitness, Casemiro quickly reasserted himself as a vital presence in midfield under Ruben Amorim. At 33, he outperformed competition from Manuel Ugarte, becoming the key figure MU relied upon both defensively and offensively.
Statistical analysis highlighted Manchester United’s struggles whenever Casemiro was absent, underlining the team’s dependence on the Brazilian. He scored four goals in the season’s first half, against Chelsea, Brighton, Nottingham Forest, and Bournemouth, and played a pivotal role in a 2-1 triumph at Anfield—the club’s first victory there since the infamous 0-7 defeat.
Managerial changes continued, with Darren Fletcher and later Michael Carrick overseeing his final matches. Carrick reinstated Casemiro in the starting lineup for the Manchester Derby, where he delivered one of his finest performances in a 2-0 win. Shortly afterward, Casemiro confirmed his departure, bringing an end to four turbulent, trophy-laden years at Old Trafford.
Legacy of Casemiro at Manchester United
Casemiro’s tenure at Manchester United will be remembered for its dramatic highs and lows. He navigated five different managers, won two major trophies, and consistently demonstrated leadership, resilience, and professionalism. While his departure marks the end of an era, his influence on the team, particularly in midfield stability and big-match performances, will resonate for years to come.
With 146 appearances, crucial goals, and an indelible connection to the Old Trafford faithful, Casemiro leaves as one of the most impactful midfielders in recent MU history. As the club plans for life without him, fans will reflect on four unforgettable years of dedication, drama, and triumph.
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