Leny Yoro Says Man Utd Squad Wanted Casemiro To Stay

Leny Yoro says Manchester United’s players wanted Casemiro to stay at Old Trafford, but the Brazilian remains on course to leave when his contract expires at the end of the 2025–26 season. The midfielder has continued to play an important role for United during his final campaign, both on the pitch and inside the dressing room.

Casemiro joined Manchester United from Real Madrid ahead of the 2022–23 season and has made 154 appearances in all competitions. Earlier this year, he announced that this would be his final season at the club.

Yoro made clear how highly Casemiro is valued within the squad. The defender said the players wanted him to remain and described the midfielder as a major presence in the group because of his experience and career achievements.

According to Yoro, Casemiro’s influence extends beyond matches. He said the former Real Madrid midfielder brings a level of experience no one else in the Manchester United squad can match and that his presence has helped the team both during games and away from the pitch.

Casemiro’s performances this season have supported that view. He scored his seventh goal of the campaign in Manchester United’s win over Aston Villa on Sunday, continuing a strong final season in England.

Those seven Premier League goals are his best return in a single campaign across Europe’s top five leagues, beating the six he scored for Real Madrid in 2020–21. Six of those goals have come from non-penalty set-pieces, the highest total by a Manchester United player in a single top-flight season since Wayne Rooney scored seven in 2011–12.

Although Casemiro’s current deal includes the option of a one-year extension, it was mutually agreed with the club that the clause would not be activated. Reports indicate there is unlikely to be any reversal of that decision.

Michael Carrick also suggested the outcome is settled. The Manchester United head coach said that once a decision has been made, it can make the situation clearer for everyone involved. Carrick added that Casemiro’s impact since his arrival has been significant, pointing to his influence within the team as well as his contributions in important moments and goals.

That combination of leadership and production explains why Casemiro’s departure is being felt before it has even happened. Manchester United are preparing to lose not only an experienced midfielder, but also one of the squad’s most influential voices.