Mail journo confirms what Man Utd are now thinking about Casemiro U-turn after Rooney says he ‘would’ keep him

Much to Manchester United fans’ (and Wayne Rooney’s) dismay, Casemiro will still be leaving the club in three months’ time when his contract expires.The midfielder’s stellar showing at home to Aston Villa yesterday prompted chants from the Old Trafford faithful for him to stay ‘one more year’, with his deal containing a 12-month option that can be activated by the club.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYWhat Rooney had to say about CasemiroRooney also echoed supporters’ pleas later that night on Match of the Day, when he told the panel: “I would now [try and keep him]. I said early on in his time at Manchester United I didn’t think he quite had the legs to get round. I think a few people felt the same, but I take that back. I think he’s been absolutely fantastic.” Casemiro’s game by numbers vs. Aston Villa: 100% aerial duels won 57 touches 7 carries5 passes into the final third 4 touches in the box 4 fouls 3 clearances 3 recoveries 1 goal Going out in style. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/AfJEc1fYD9 — Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) March 15, 2026However, MailSport journalist Nathan Salt has spoken out this morning to try to stop any speculation in its tracks. Casemiro 𝐢𝐬𝐧’𝐭 going to get one more year (to the frustration of his team-mates and fans) Carrick almost shrugged when asked if he will be difficult to replace. It’s going to be A LOT harder than many realise… #mufchttps://t.co/gQ8FTYSZmO — Nathan Salt (@NathSalt1) March 16, 2026He states that Casemiro’s impending departure was a club decision, despite the player announcing it himself via social media back in January and voicing that it feels like the right time to pull the curtains on his Red Devils career.Casemiro establishing new goalscoring recordThe veteran’s opener on Sunday marked his seventh Premier League goal of the campaign, which is his best goalscoring return in a season, and there are still another eight games left to play.It was also the fifth time this term that he had combined with his skipper, Bruno Fernandes. It is the most of any partnership in 2025/2026 thus far. Bruno 🤝 Casemiro Bruno Fernandes’s 5 assists for his midfield partner is the most one player has assisted another this Premier League season 🔥 pic.twitter.com/uLXqZrfgn9 — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 15, 2026Calls to reconsider United’s stance will also stem from the fact that replacing Casemiro is a monumental task in itself – one that could take at least two £100 million-valued stars to bolster the midfield ranks in the absence of a five-time Champions League winner.