Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Casemiro will leave Manchester United at the end of the season, despite cries from the fanbase to keep him at the club.
Manchester United are set to lose Casemiro in the summer, after the Brazilian confirmed his exit earlier this year. Casemiro will depart Old Trafford upon the expiry of his contract at the end of this season, despite a clause that could have kept him at the club if he had started every game from the announcement to the end of the season, which was waived.
Director of football Jason Wilcox would have already been planning a high-profile addition to central midfield this summer, having missed out on Carlos Baleba before the start of this campaign. The Brighton midfielder appeared to be United's main midfield target last year, but the situation seems to have changed now.
Elliot Anderson seems to be the first choice for United's recruitment team, although Manchester City may be ahead of the Red Devils in the race for the England international. This leaves United looking for alternatives, with Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali and Real Madrid's Aurélien Tchouaméni mentioned.
Casemiro's recent performances have led to cries of "One more year, one more year, Casemiro," with fans believing the Brazilian could still be good enough to play for United next season. His experience would prove dividends upon United's return to the Champions League.
The five-time Champions League winner was United's top scorer for 32 minutes on Monday evening, until Benjamin Šeško netted the second of the game. Casemiro has now scored 26 goals in 158 appearances for the Reds.
Fabrizio Romano confirms Miami interest
Due to his good form, there have been some rumours that Casemiro could remain at Old Trafford next season, although that is regularly shut down by Michael Carrick in his press conferences. Fabrizio Romano also denied the speculation.
"I am told that this is not changing. Casemiro is leaving Manchester United at the end of the season. At least as of today, that's the situation," he said.
Romano also reported that David Beckham's Inter Miami side are working on a deal to sign the Brazilian, despite reports of Saudi Arabian interest.
"My understanding is that despite some calls from Saudi Arabia, MLS remains a strong, concrete, real possibility," he said on his YouTube channel.
"I told you several times, also including Inter Miami in the conversation, and that remains the case.
"Inter Miami have been working on a deal to sign Casemiro since March. I maintain that Inter Miami really want to go for Casemiro."
How will Casemiro be remembered?
Casemiro has been brilliant for Michael Carrick since he took charge, but that has not always been the case since he moved to Old Trafford.
The former Real Madrid midfielder has suffered several tough spells in a United shirt, most notably towards the back end of Erik ten Hag's tenure, when he was substituted at half-time against Liverpool for Toby Collyer.
However, more recently, Casemiro has been one of the most consistent performers in a red shirt, often helping United to three points with a headed goal at the back post. His nine goals and two assists have been key for United this season.
Casemiro's first season in Manchester was impressive, too. He made 51 appearances and played an important role in reaching the Europa League final.
There have been some bad moments, and those moments have been well below par, but overall, United fans will look back on Casemiro and be grateful they got to see him at his best.