Gary Neville believes Manchester United is making the right choice to release Casemiro this summer, despite the midfielder’s recent strong performance.
The Brazilian confirmed in January that he would leave United when his contract ends in June, even though the club could have extended it by another year.
How Casemiro’s exit came to fruition
The decision appears to have been mutual, as both Casemiro and the club preferred not to continue paying his high wage of £350,000 a week for an additional year.
Any chance of him staying would have required negotiating a new contract with lower terms, which neither side wanted.
However, Casemiro’s performance this season has led some to question whether he should leave after just three months.
He scored again yesterday, heading in the opening goal during a key match against Aston Villa.
He and Bruno Fernandes linked up for the fifth time this season, the most of any partnership in the Premier League for 2025/2026 so far.
Besides scoring, Casemiro made nine defensive contributions, including three clearances, three recoveries, an interception, and a block. He also won all of his aerial duels and two ground duels.
On the offensive side, he completed five passes into the final third, had four touches in Villa’s box, and made four accurate long passes. The only downside was a yellow card, which is typical.
The crowd at Old Trafford acknowledged his contributions with a new chant that echoed throughout the game and after the final whistle.
“One more year, one more year, Casemiro. One more year, one more year, I say!” chanted the supporters.
Neville disagrees with United fans over Casemiro’s future
After the match on Sky Sports, Neville praised Casemiro but maintained that United should not extend his contract.
“Manchester United brought him in towards the end of his career. He was an outstanding central midfielder who was part of a dominant Real Madrid midfield,” Neville stated.
“It’s the right decision for United to let him go when the time comes. This has been like a final chapter for him. He seems to be enjoying it, and the fans adore him.”
“However, it’s clear he should leave at the end of the season. At times, his physical condition has let him down. There was a period during his contract when he seemed heavier, but now he looks fitter and performing well.”