Manchester United’s interim manager Michael Carrick has officially announced that midfielder Casemiro will sit out the club’s final Premier League fixture of the season against Brighton & Hove Albion. The Brazilian star, who has been the subject of intense transfer speculation, played his farewell match at Old Trafford last weekend—a 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest.
Carrick addressed the Brazilian’s absence from the Brighton game, stating, “It was agreed that last week would be his final match. I think it went as well as we could have hoped, and he was fantastic. I’ve spoken enough about Casemiro and everything he’s brought to my team and the club as a whole. Yes, it was agreed this was the right time for him to move on.”
From Real Madrid to MLS: Casemiro’s next chapter
Casemiro’s departure marks the end of an era at Manchester United, where he arrived in a headline-grabbing transfer worth up to £70 million from Real Madrid in 2022. Now, the 34-year-old appears poised to join Inter Miami CF in the Major League Soccer, reuniting with former teammate Lionel Messi. The rumored move to Florida has gained significant traction, with Miami widely tipped as his next destination.
Carrick shed light on the timing, noting, “I think it was just the right time for Case. He was also involved in that decision. There was a balance to be struck regarding the final match. We aren’t done yet—the season isn’t over for us, and we’re fully aware of that.” Casemiro’s contributions were pivotal in securing Manchester United’s third-place finish this season, providing invaluable midfield experience.
Carrick’s future set to be resolved soon
The news of Casemiro’s exit has intensified focus on Carrick’s own future at the club. After stepping into the managerial role with impressive interim results, the former United legend is widely expected to be handed a permanent contract. While no official announcement has been made, Carrick hinted that fans won’t have to wait much longer for clarity. “We said it would be at the end of the season, didn’t we? We’re almost there—just a few days left. I mentioned the other day that things would be clarified soon, and that’s exactly what’s happening. For now, I can’t say more.”
United’s preparations for Brighton and team updates
With the season drawing to a close, Manchester United are nearing full strength ahead of the Brighton fixture. Carrick confirmed that defender Matthijs de Ligt, currently recovering from back surgery, will miss the game, while striker Benjamin Šeško is expected to return to the squad. Brighton, meanwhile, will be pushing hard for a European spot, making for a competitive clash at the Amex Stadium.
Despite the impending personnel changes, Manchester United have already secured a top-three finish and a spot in next season’s Champions League—a testament to the resilience and depth of Carrick’s squad.
