Gary Neville has claimed Manchester United are still right to let Casemiro go at the end of the season despite the midfielder re-establishing himself as one of Michael Carrick’s most important players in the push for Champions League football.
The Brazilian was on the scoresheet for the second consecutive game as he opened the scoring in United’s 3-1 victory over Aston Villa – a result which sees them pull three points clear of Unai Emery’s side in the battle for third.
Despite being rumoured to leave the club in each of the last two summers, Casemiro has remained at Old Trafford and started in each of the last 13 Premier League games, integral to United’s upturn under Carrick. His seven goals are a season’s best return.
In January, it was announced that the 34-year-old would leave United when his contract expires, however recent form has led fans to call for his continuation beyond the summer. Despite that, and his positive influence on the team, Neville still believes the right decision would be to allow Casemiro to leave.
“Obviously, Manchester United got him at the latter part of his career. What he was is an exceptional central midfield player that played in one of the most dominant midfields that you’ll ever see at Real Madrid,” he said on The Gary Neville Podcast.
“But it’s right that United do let him go, and it’s right that he does leave United. This is like a cameo at the end of his career. Almost like a swansong where he’s probably loving every minute, and you can see it.
“He’s kissing his badge to the fans. The fans absolutely love him, and it’s right that he does leave at the end of the season.
