Interim Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has stated that the club’s decision to let go of midfielder Casemiro at the close of this season was planned before he took over the head coaching role.
Carrick made this confession while speaking in a presser ahead of Man United’s league tie against league leaders Arsenal on Sunday, January 25. Man United trail Arsenal by 15 points.
Brazilian player Casemiro announced that he was in the final four months of his contract he signed after joining Man United from Real Madrid. (Scroll down to watch video of Casemiro’s exit announcement)
The announcement came as reports swirled of a possible contract extension for Casemiro whose performances have improved since the latter part of the 2024-2025 season but Carrick stated in the presser that the decision on Casemiro was taken before his appointment.
Manchester United head coach / manager Michael Carrick applauds the fans at full time during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
“The Case [Casemiro] announcement was for clarity as much as anything, it was decided before I arrived, it wasn’t a knee-jerk decision.”
Gianluigi Donnarumma of Manchester City makes a save from Casemiro of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
“The type of personality and character he is it shows with his performance last week, where he is mentally and what it means to be here and finish the season strong. I’ve had the conversation with him, he’s desperate to do well and finish well” Carrick said to the club’s media.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 20: Casemiro of Manchester United celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Old Trafford on September 20, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Knowing when stages come to an end.
Knowing when to say goodbye when you feel that you will be remembered and respected forever.
Four months to give my all for this badge and for our goal.
Eternal respect and affection for Manchester United and its wonderful fans.
