Bruno Fernandes reveals the critical void Casemiro will leave at Manchester United, speaking on the intangible qualities and experience the departing midfielder provides.
After almost four years at the club, Casemiro has announced that this season will be his last at Manchester United. The Brazilian midfielder arrived from Real Madrid in the summer of 2022.
During his spell at Old Trafford, he played a key role in securing both the Carabao Cup, scoring the opening goal in the final, and the FA Cup. With a significant midfield overhaul expected this summer, Casemiro believes the moment is right to seek a new challenge.
The 33-year-old struggled during the 2023/24 campaign under former manager Erik ten Hag, but he remained influential in United’s journey to last season’s Europa League final. He registered three assists in the remarkable comeback against Lyon and found the net in both legs of the semi-final against Athletic Club.
Since Michael Carrick’s arrival, Casemiro has rediscovered much of his top form. He has been instrumental in Carrick’s first eight matches, building a strong midfield partnership with Kobbie Mainoo. Now, he will be aiming to sign off by helping secure Champions League football for next season, with his recent performances putting United in a very strong position to qualify.
Bruno Fernandes on the impact of Casemiro's departure
It's clear to see that Casemiro is a prominent figure in the Manchester United dressing room, bringing the winning mentality from Real Madrid and his wealth of experience to Manchester.
When speaking to Men In Blazers, Fernandes spoke on Casemiro's influence at Manchester United and the hole that the Brazilian will leave once he departs Old Trafford in the summer.
He said, "I think he's always been good, you know. Obviously, as a player, you can have moments that you have better moments and worse. Sometimes you're not as good as you want to be, but I think he's always been vital and important for what the team has done.
"And I feel that the experience he has brought to the team and everything he's been through this last couple of years. I think he was always there for the performances that he did.
"Obviously, when the team is not performing well, it's difficult to find positives in every player, but I think every one of us, even in the most difficult moments, has done the best we could..."
What will Casemiro's Man Utd legacy be?
Despite being criticised at points during his time at Old Trafford, Casemiro will be able to leave the club with his head held high, being a key cog in this Manchester United side, which will almost certainly qualify for Champions League football next season.
The best way to figure out what Casemiro's legacy and impact at United will be is how different the side is when the Brazilian is no longer at the club. His role in the team is much bigger than many people probably realise, so he will definitely be missed by the players and fans alike.
On how Casemiro will be remembered, Fernandes added, "His career speaks for itself. There's not much that we can ADD to that. And I think the time at the club's been very good.
"Unfortunately, we couldn't achieve as MUCH as he wanted, probably, as everyone else in the team.
"But I think what he's DONE for the club, I think the fans appreciate that, and I think he's ending his time at the club on a high, and there's nothing better than that..."