This summer there will be an empty position at Manchester United. And that is the defensive midfielder position that Casemiro is holding. He is the only player to have been confirmed to leave Old Trafford after this year's campaign.
I want to continue working with him for a few more months" - coach Michael Carrick shared. That is completely grounded, because the Brazilian midfielder is one of the best players in the last 5 matches under Carrick.
With each impressive performance, he makes the problem of finding a successor more complicated. Casemiro may leave Manchester in the way he used to go - as an icon. After two difficult seasons between a 4-year contract, the Brazilian international is strongly reviving.
He also created an interesting complementary combination with Kobbie Mainoo. A young person, an experienced person, a product of Manchester, a son of Sao Paulo. That contrast may not last long, but Casemiro's positive influence has spread in the dressing room and on the training ground, especially with Mainoo.
Casemiro has performed excellently since I arrived, both on and off the field. Experience is invaluable if used properly. As a veteran player here, you have a responsibility to set an example, support young players and pass on experience in a positive way. He did it very well" - Carrick said.
Casemiro will turn 34 in the match against Everton. Although age and contract structure make the possibility of extension almost impossible, his revival makes Carrick believe that he can still play top-level at another club.
Carrick - who has 12 years and 464 matches playing in midfield for Man United - understands the role of a central midfielder. "It's a position that connects everything, connects the whole team, sometimes emotionally, mentally, and brings calmness, understanding of the match. Casemiro has had a big influence on that".
When talking about Casemiro's qualities, he emphasized: "Technical ability, reading the game and composure in important moments".
However, the successor is likely to be much younger. They may be stronger physically but lack combat experience. Casemiro no longer regularly plays all 90 minutes in a season where Man United has only played 40 matches. His current good form also comes from the tactical arrangement that helps limit weaknesses.
The list of candidates for the summer includes Elliot Anderson (23 years old), Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton (both 22 years old). The "Red Devils" considered Baleba from last year. Meanwhile, Sandro Tonali emerged as a more experienced, more dynamic and notable ball control options.
Baleba had a difficult year at Brighton with erratic form and off-field problems. Anderson and Wharton leaned towards attack rather than purely defensive. Meanwhile, Tonali could meet more criteria.
But Casemiro is a different type of midfielder. He not only intercepts, but also regularly scores important goals. The rate of accurate passes may be low, but that reflects the willingness of this player to make risky passes.
If Carrick, when playing, had a modest and discreet style, Casemiro stood out with a strong personality, decisiveness and clear appeal on the field.
His departure will leave a large gap and the replacement price is also not small. With Casemiro's personality and special role, perhaps Man United will not find a perfect replacement, but can only find a new direction for the midfield.
