Manchester United star Matheus Cunha has revealed that he was among those attempting to convince Casemiro to stay at Old Trafford. The Brazilian midfielder confirmed he would leave the club this summer at the end of his contract.
Casemiro, 34, spent four years at United, with his final campaign arguably his most impressive. His form was so good that Red Devils supporters attempted to convince him to extend his stay with chants of 'one more year, Casemiro'.
It appears that his Brazilian teammate Cunha agrees with those sentiments, having also tried to convince the veteran to pen a new deal. Speaking to Spanish outlet AS, he said: 'All the Manchester United fans and I did! Casemiro is one of our club's great players, and he would undoubtedly help us a lot if he stayed here.'
'He was one of the players who welcomed me with open arms when I arrived, and I'm very grateful to him for that. If I could, I'd make him stay with us for another year. I wish him every success in the future,' Cunha added.
While Casemiro's United exit has been confirmed, he has yet to announce his next club. Inter Miami have been linked but are embroiled in a dispute with MLS rivals LA Galaxy over his discovery rights.
In the meantime, United are pressing ahead with plans to sign his replacement. A deal has been agreed for Atalanta's Ederson, while West Ham's Mateus Fernandes remains a priority target.
Regardless of who United sign, Cunha is keen to continue the positive signs shown under Michael Carrick last season. He said: 'When I decided to accept the United project, I was already aware of the magnitude of the club.'
'I think it has been a positive season for the club. We have managed to get United back into the Champions League, and we hope to continue on this upward trajectory next season. We have a lot of confidence in our work.'
'From day one I felt comfortable and was very well received by the players, the staff, and the fans. I managed to find the necessary peace of mind to give my best on the pitch, and that allowed me to have an excellent season. I am very happy and I hope to continue helping the club achieve great things.'
'We're going to work hard to do justice to the shirt we wear and to the club's rich history. That's our promise to the fans. We want next season to be a season of triumphs.'
