Let go of the ball before the ball leaves you". Jamie Carragher's controversial statement haunted Casemiro for a long time. But the Brazilian midfielder's decision to leave Manchester United as he wished this year - 2 years after the controversial statement from the former Liverpool legend - is proof of his bravery and persistence.
Fairly speaking, for Carragher, the context at that time was decisive. After Man United's 0-4 defeat to Crystal Palace in May 2024, Casemiro looked like he had passed his prime. He was easily overtaken in matches with increasingly high tempo and often became a victim of Erik ten Hag's risky approach.
Casemiro could completely choose the easier path of moving to the Saudi Pro League. With a massive collection of titles, he does not need to prove anything more. At that time, Man United seemed ready to do everything to "get rid of" him. And at this time, finding a replacement for Casemiro is obviously one of the most difficult problems for the club in the summer.
In the final stage of his career - Casemiro will turn 34 this month - he has adjusted his playing style: more disciplined, more cautious when facing attacks straight into the center. The Brazilian midfielder accepts retreating deep, taking advantage of his excellent reading ability, ready to launch his signature tackles and open space for more energetic teammates in midfield.
In the air, Casemiro is still a "giant" at both ends of the penalty area. Man United's coaches do not always build a suitable midfield structure around him - especially Ten Hag - but the former Real Madrid mainstay still completes his task quietly, without being noisy.
Filling the gap left by Casemiro will certainly make the "Red Devils" expensive, although releasing his high salary will somewhat reduce financial pressure. The club has also sent a clear signal that midfield reform is the number one priority in the transfer market, after spending about £200 million in 2025 to restructure the attack with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko.
Among the current midfielders, only Kobbie Mainoo is almost certain to stay next season. Bruno Fernandes is still in the sights of Saudi Arabian teams, and Manuel Ugarte's difficulty adapting to English football makes the door for leaving still wide open if Man United receives a strong enough offer. "The Red Devils" may have to recruit 2 or 3 midfielders, but a true "anchor" in the defensive midfielder position is the most urgent need.
It should also be noted that if Man United appoints a new head coach in the summer, what tactical and personnel requirements will that person have. Ruben Amorim's departure stems from disagreements with the board of directors about transfer control. Therefore, the successor is likely to have his own views on the midfield structure, and Man United must consider that.
Michael Carrick often operates a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Mainoo pairing with Casemiro. If Carrick is not officially appointed, does the replacement need a similar balance in midfield? Like a series of other questions surrounding Man United, they will have to find the answer this summer.
