« He’s an emotional guy and that means a lot to him. »

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro’s exit at the end of the season is « pretty clear from both sides » despite his « connection » with fans and prolific run of form, according to interim head coach Michael Carrick.

Five-time Champions League winner Casemiro has scored as many times in United’s last six games as he has in his first 21 appearances of the season, with three of the four goals coming in each of United’s last three home games and some Old Trafford fans calling for the 34-year-old to be handed a new contract.

« Cass had influence in the group, » Carrick replied when asked if the situation was secure, speaking a month after Casemiro predicted his departure would be « difficult » but said he believed the decision was « done and done ».

« He’s got a lot of experience, he’s a big player and he’s achieved an awful lot in the game. Since I’ve been here, he’s given everything he could give.

« The situation probably helped knowing exactly where he was (going) – he had nothing to hide and he jumped straight into it. »

What is Casemiro’s contract situation at Man United?

Casemiro, who joined United from Real Madrid for a reported initial fee of £60m in 2022, announced in January that he would be leaving when his £350,000-a-week contract expires soon.

United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is widely reported to have questioned the fee and salary involved in signing the Brazil international ahead of the businessman taking over the football operations side of the club in February 2024.

« I’m still enjoying it a lot, » Casemiro said of his time at United, via Athletic. « I’m having fun right now.

« Above all, Michael (Carrick) is a specialist in my position on the pitch. He’s been a really great player. It makes everything a lot easier and he’s always talking to us. »

Former United midfielder Carrick succeeded the January sacked Ruben Amorim until the end of the season.

« It’s good that he has that connection with the supporters, » the 44-year-old said of Casemiro, who scored his latest goal in Monday’s 2-1 win over Brentford to help United move closer to returning to the Champions League for the first time since 2023/24.

« It goes both ways because I know he’s an emotional guy and it means a lot to him. »

Why Man Utd should offload Casemiro: ‘He’s had his day’

According to former Premier League top scorer Chris Sutton, Casemiro was « really exposed » during United’s underwhelming first half under Amorim.

« Under Michael Carrick his performances have improved, his level of performance has improved and so has the Manchester United team, » said Sutton BBC Sportcalling talk of a turnaround surrounding his decision to leave « sentimental nonsense ».

« He’s done well but he’s had his day. If Manchester United really want to move forward as a club, Casemiro it is not the future.

« He was a great player and you would give your right arm to have a career like him. But he just doesn’t have the legs he used to have.

« If Manchester United want to go to that next level, he is not for next season. If he wants £350,000 to be good in the dressing room, I don’t think they will pay that. »

Champions League qualification: United ‘want to be higher’

United were outside the guaranteed Champions League qualification places and 11 points behind their current third position after a 1-1 home draw with Leeds United in Amorim’s last game in charge on 4 January.

They have taken 29 points from 13 league games under Carrick and now need a maximum of two from their last four games of the campaign to ensure they finish in the top five.

« We’ve been given a great chance, » he said Karikcrediting his players for recovering from a run of four points from four games by beating Chelsea and the Bees.

« Those last two results are big for that. It’s a tough league to win. Champions League is one thing, but it’s not something we should celebrate too much.

« We want to finish higher in the league and challenge higher and get more points. Our season is not over… we put ourselves in a good position but there is still work to do. »

Casemiro put United in front in the 11th minute and Benjamin Sesko doubled their lead two minutes before half-time, with Matthias Jensen replying from long range for Brentford three minutes from time.

what next Manchester United program, program

United are at home again on Sunday as they look to stay up over Liverpoolwhich are immediately after them at three points.

Date	Opponents	BST start time	ET	PT
Sun, May 3	Liverpool (H)	3:30 p.m	10:30 a.m	07:30 hours
Saturday, May 9	Sunderland (A)	15:00 hours	10:00 a.m	07:00 hours
Sunday, May 17	Nottingham Forest (H)	3:00 p.m	10:00 a.m	07:00 hours
Sunday, May 24	Brighton (A)	4:00 p.m	11:00 a.m	08:00 hours