Manchester United took a significant step towards a spot in the Champions League with victory over Aston Villa with Casemiro once again key to victory for Michael Carrick’s side
Manchester United fans serenaded Casemiro against Aston Villa, demanding he sign a new deal with the club. The Brazilian midfielder confirmed earlier this year that he would be leaving Old Trafford come the end of the campaign.
There is an option in his contract to extend his stay by a further campaign but that will not be taken up by the club or player. Since then, the veteran midfielder has found some excellent form.
His goal against Aston Villa was his seventh of the season, making it his most productive campaign at Old Trafford. Following United’s 3-1 win, supporters made their feelings known as they chanted ‘one more year, one more year, Casemiro’.
Meanwhile, Casemiro also displayed his affection for the club as he proudly showed the United badge to the Stretford End as part of his celebrations.
Ironically, former United star Kleberson has suggested that the Brazilian would still prefer to stay. He said: “He won a lot of trophies in Real Madrid, but I think he felt that he finally had the opportunity to play in the best league in the world, when he got the opportunity to play for Man United.
“He is a fantastic midfielder and I even think he has improved at Man United, but Man United is always up and down as a club. That is why he hasn't won that many trophies or has had the opportunity to play the big finals like a Champions League final.
“The philosophy has changed a lot, new managers have come in and players have moved to and away from Man United. Everything has been tough, and it has been completely different from his time at Real Madrid. He didn`t experience many changes at Real Madrid.
“I know he cost a lot of money, but he has really brought some leadership to the club. That is also why he came back into the Brazilian national team and why he will play in the World Cup. He really brings the leadership and he does that as well in Man United. He is a great team-mate and a great competitor.
“Of course, we can’t compare his leadership to Roy Keane ’s because that was completely different, but he knows the rules at Man United. I think he is happy at Man United, but the club has never been in a good position. I still think he would like to stay at Man United, or at least he is thinking about it because it has gone so well under Michael Carrick.”
United now sit third and in the table after victory against Villa. They are next back in action on Friday evening as they take on Bournemouth.