Not long ago, Casemiro seemed to be preparing to leave Manchester United quietly and bitterly. This veteran midfielder is facing the risk of leaving European football and being remembered as one of the most failed contracts in club history.
But reality takes place according to a completely different scenario. The Brazilian midfielder is about to leave Old Trafford in a high head posture, proving that - contrary to Jamie Carragher's harsh assessment - football has never left him.
Manchester United's announcement that Casemiro will leave the club in the summer, when his official contract expires, is considered a rare timely decision for the "Red Devils". This information was released just days after one of his most impressive performances this season, in the Manchester derby against Man City.
At Old Trafford that day, Casemiro played with passion, certainty and bravery, and then the home fans gave him long applause, along with shouts of his name throughout the stands.
The early decision to part ways helps end all speculation surrounding the possibility of activating a one-year extension clause in the 32-year-old midfielder's contract. This is a factor that once risked becoming a distraction in the tense top 4 race.
Now, Casemiro has enough time to find his next destination in his career, while Man United can also actively embark on the process of rebuilding the midfield, aiming for players who are at their peak form.
More importantly, the Brazilian midfielder was given the opportunity to close a journey full of ups and downs at Old Trafford. He is no longer in the role of an "excess player", but a player who has made efforts to return to the squad, fight for the red shirt and prove that not every assessment for him is correct.
This is a worthy ending for a warrior who once stood on the top of Europe and did not surrender when he was most suspected.
Break up on time
Even though Casemiro has had an impressive comeback in the final stage of his career at Old Trafford, it is still difficult to deny that Man United's early signing of him bears a strong imprint of despair. That is a contract made in the context of the club lacking direction, needing an immediate leader rather than a long-term plan.
Now, the most correct thing Man United needs to do is to look to the future - building a midfield capable of leading the team for the next decade. Names like England international Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace or Carlos Baleba of Brighton represent the path that the "Red Devils" are forced to choose.
Casemiro once said "I will carry Manchester United with me for life". And in fact, he has left an undeniable mark at the club. Although it is only a temporary and somewhat expensive solution, the Brazilian midfielder still brings fans many memorable moments.
He made a great contribution to bringing Man United back to the Champions League, helping the team win the first title after 6 years of waiting, and then overcoming the decline period himself to regain stability in a volatile team.
Now, with only 4 months left in the red shirt, Man United fans should enjoy every remaining moment of Casemiro. Because it will not be easy to replace an experienced, brave and always fighting player like him.
