Manchester United are set to wave goodbye to Casemiro at the end of this season with a deal now agreed which will see one of their rising stars to take his place.
Carrick confirms Casemiro stay is out of the question
Benjamin Sesko is in awe of “working machine” Casemiro and is picking up everything he can from the Manchester United fan favourite before his summer exit.
The 34-year-old has not tasted the highs he enjoyed at Real Madrid but has built a special bond with supporters, which has increased since it was confirmed in January that he would leave at the end of his deal.
United fans once again chanted for Casemiro to stay another season after he opened the scoring in Monday’s all-action, man-of-the-match display against Brentford.
The club face a tall order trying to replace him this summer, when captain Bruno Fernandes’ future is sure to be under the microscope once more.
The 31-year-old moved one away from equalling the Premier League record of assists in a single season by providing his 19th of the campaign when setting up Sesko, who revealed how the players feel about Casemiro’s exit.
“He’s a working machine,” the Slovenia striker said. “He’s experienced, what he’s putting on the pitch is unbelievable. You need someone like this.
“Unfortunately he’s leaving but…we are pleased that we can manage him until the last minute in the game and we’re going to use him.
“The way you look at him, it’s very important, you know? And I think you can be stupid if you don’t look at him and try to be like him when it comes to the work-rate and stuff and I think everyone is pleased that he is here.
“Unfortunately he leaves but, yeah, it’s important to keep him up like this.”
Head coach Michael Carrick poured cold water on talk the Brazil international could stay, and while the Red Devils are expected to sign two new midfielders this summer, they have already found an internal successor by agreeing a new long-term contract with Kobbie Mainoo.
Kobbie Mainoo contract update
Indeed, Fabrizio Romano reported on Tuesday that the 21 year-old Mainoo will sign a new and improved contract which runs until June 2031.
Following up on Wednesday, Romano shared a new update without actually saying a word, posting Mainoo with emojis showing a contract being signed and the ‘soon’ symbol.
Mainoo was sensational in the wins against Chelsea and Brentford, and Carrick showered him with praise after Monday’s victory over the Bees.
“Like against Chelsea, he showed he was complete with and without the ball, in both defensive and offensive duties.
“We know he’s capable of it and it’s good to see him demonstrate it. He’s in great form right now.”
United will hope to find a midfield partner for the youngster in the transfer window, but they could miss out on Elliot Anderson with the Nottingham Forest star getting closer to Manchester City.
Fabrizio Romano shares ‘very important’ Elliot Anderson to Man City update out of Nottingham Forest
The Tricky Trees star is a major target for Pep Guardiola’s side.