Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui has described the confirmation of Casemiro's departure as a 'sad day' for the club. The Brazilian midfielder will leave Old Trafford when his contract expires at the end of the season, with United opting against triggering a 12-month extension clause.
Casemiro joined United from Real Madrid in 2022 and enjoyed an impressive debut campaign, though his form dipped in his second season. He has since rediscovered his best form, contributing six Premier League goals this term — his highest tally in a single season for the club.
Mazraoui highlighted the void Casemiro will leave, both on and off the pitch. 'He brings experience, like crazy. He knows how it is to win. He knows how it is, also, the road to win, because he has done it, he has lived it,' the full-back said. 'So, yeah, we’re going to miss him a lot in the team, outside of the pitch, inside the pitch, of course.'
The 34-year-old's exit is expected to accelerate United's pursuit of a new midfielder, with the position a top priority for the summer transfer window. Manager Michael Carrick has also praised Casemiro's influence, calling him 'fantastic' and a 'pleasure to work with'.
Casemiro's trophy-laden spell at Real Madrid, which included multiple Champions League titles, was seen as a key asset for a United side seeking to end a lengthy trophy drought. His departure marks the end of a four-year stint that brought both highs and lows.
