Manchester United star Casemiro has insisted his wish is to see out his contract, closing the door to any potential exit in the summer.
United forked out £70m to sign Casemiro from Real Madrid in the summer of 2022. His first season in England was a success, helping the club to a top-four finish and a Carabao Cup trophy.
However, his levels dramatically declined last term and he hasn’t looked any better this campaign. The Brazilian has fallen down the pecking under Ruben Amorim, who has shown a clear preference for younger and more mobile players in his engine room.
Casemiro has made 25 appearances in all competitions this season but has been an unused substitute in 12 of United’s last 18 matches.
He was named in the starting XI for Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur but failed to justify his inclusion in the team as he produced another poor performance.
Last summer and in the January transfer window, Casemiro was heavily linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League but a deal never materialised.
He has more than one year left on his contract at Old Trafford and according to him, he wants to see out his terms.
The 75-capped Brazil international told Spanish Newspaper AS, “I have to keep doing what I’m doing, with a lot of respect and education. Of course I’d like to play more, of course.”
“I don’t know any player who doesn’t want to play and help. Also, I’d like to help the club at this time. I approach things with respect for my teammates and the technical committee.”
“And above all, I respect United, a club to which I’m very grateful. I have a year and a half left on my contract and I’d like to fulfil it here in Manchester. I’m comfortable here and so is my family.”
“They’ve adapted, we speak English. I’m very grateful to the Old Trafford fans and to the club. I’m happy at club level. Happy in the dugout? Of course not. That’s another thing.”
Casemiro explained that his maiden season at United was the best of his illustrious career.
“Looking at my career, individually, my best season as a professional footballer was the first with United. I’m not saying collectively in terms of titles. Madrid’s Champions League is the ultimate, but as a player I think Old Trafford saw the best Casemiro in my first year.”
He said about his decision to leave the Santiago Bernabeu for United, “It wasn’t easy. My family, my teammates, my friends. I gave everything for Madrid while I was playing there. I won’t be able to forget it.”
United are back in action on Saturday when they face a resurgent Everton at Goodison Park.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
