Casemiro 'convinced' over one more year at Man Utd as true feelings on exit emerge

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro is reportedly set to leave the club for free this summer as his contract expires, with the likes of Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba linked with a midfield transfer move

Casemiro might have remained at Manchester United for another year had Michael Carrick been appointed earlier, it has been claimed. The Englishman has thrived since assuming control on an interim basis in January, following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim.

While Amorim could only manage a disappointing 15th place finish during his maiden season at the helm of the Reds, Carrick has helped them to rise as high as third in the Premier League table, with Champions League football now secured for next term. Nevertheless, Casemiro will not be present to assist the club in pursuing European glory, as a consequence of departing when his deal runs out this summer.

The Brazilian midfielder has been outstanding this season and will leave an enormous gap to fill upon his exit. United are presently seeking to identify an appropriate replacement for Casemiro, with the likes of Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba - among others - linked with a transfer.

However, had Carrick been appointed sooner, there might not have been a requirement to invest heavily in a fresh addition for the United midfield quite so quickly.

According to The Sun, the Real Madrid icon could have featured for longer given Carrick has taken steps to keep him in peak condition. The 34-year-old completed the full 90 minutes in a fourth successive match for the first time this season earlier this month.

And while he sat out United's 0-0 draw with Sunderland AFC at the Stadium of Light last week, it marked the only injury he has picked up this season.

This follows Casemiro throwing his wholehearted backing behind Carrick earlier this week, as the head coach bids to land a permanent position at the club.

He said: "The team plays very good. He will win any games. The team improves day by day. Game by game the team improves.

"So, for me, it's a big problem because in my opinion he deserved this opportunity. So, especially for me, because he played in the midfield, he talked with me as a midfielder to a midfielder, it's easier.

"He deserves the opportunity because the team is very comfortable. The team plays very good. We have big wins big ones. So for me he deserves this opportunity."

This comes as reports surfaced on Friday that United are poised to put forward a two-year contract for Carrick off the back of his achievements since January.

Talks are said to be continuing after Sir Jim Ratcliffe gave the green light following a meeting with Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox. It is further suggested that Carrick could be handed the prospect of a third season on his deal, which would keep him at the club until 2029.

Although the salary on offer has not been disclosed, Carrick's coaching staff are also anticipated to stay put.