Wayne Rooney has urged Manchester United to reverse their decision to let Casemiro leave this summer, admitting he was wrong to doubt the Brazilian midfielder. Casemiro, 34, scored the opening goal in United's 3-1 win over Aston Villa on Sunday, heading in a Bruno Fernandes corner.
The former Real Madrid star's £375,000-a-week contract expires on June 30, and United announced in January they would not trigger a 12-month extension. However, Rooney, speaking on Match of the Day, said: 'I would now [keep him]. I said early on I didn't think he had the legs. I take that back. He's been absolutely fantastic.'
Fellow pundit Micah Richards agreed, citing Casemiro's improvement under interim manager Michael Carrick, who switched to a formation that suits the five-time Champions League winner. Richards noted Casemiro's experience and set-piece threat as reasons to keep him.
Carrick, when asked about reversing the decision, said: 'It's difficult to say. The fact it was decided makes things easier. His impact has been terrific since I've been here.' Casemiro has scored three goals in nine games under Carrick, all from Fernandes corners.
