Part amicably! Manchester United confirms no intention to renew Casemiro's contract, aiming to sign two midfielders in summer window for generational transition.

Although Casemiro performed excellently under both Ruben Amorim and Carrick, Manchester United has no plans to restart contract renewal negotiations with him. Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS management team decided on an amicable parting. The two negative examples they considered are Liverpool renewing Salah's contract, and their own past lesson: after Ten Hag led the team to win the FA Cup, they changed their original coaching replacement plan under fan pressure, resulting in wasted more money.

The 34-year-old Casemiro scored the opening goal in the crucial 3-1 victory over Aston Villa on Sunday, marking his seventh goal this season, tying his career high record. Moreover, he also orchestrated the subsequent goals by Cunha and Sesko, demonstrating excellent form. Old Trafford fans chanted "one more year," from inside the stadium to outside.

Young teammate Leny Yoro stated, "Everyone hopes" Casemiro stays. However, "Fat Tiger" had decided to leave as early as January, and Manchester United agreed to his request and officially announced the end of cooperation after the summer window. Furthermore, Sir Jim actually made the decision not to renew before the announcement.

Yoro said in the mixed zone interview: "Everyone hopes Casemiro can stay. He is a very important player for us, and today's performance proves that once again. Even daily in the dressing room, he possesses experience others don't have; he has won all honors, which plays a huge role in matches and also off the pitch."

After the match, Carrick did not completely rule out the possibility of Casemiro renewing, but said it's unlikely. The Manchester Evening News reported more definitively: internally, the club has not discussed trying to keep Casemiro.

The decision not to renew Casemiro's contract was actually made by Manchester United's football management before the public announcement. The club's decision not to renew with him is part of its long-term strategy to restructure the squad. For Sir Jim, this could save up to £18 million in wages, especially if they return to the Champions League next season.

Casemiro celebrated his 34th birthday last month; he is the highest-paid player in the team, with a weekly wage of £350,000 upon Champions League return. Manchester United believes the saved salary space can be used to strengthen the team, enough to bring in two midfielders in summer to bolster the squad. Carrick also mentioned replacing Casemiro, admitting it's difficult but not impossible, suggesting not necessarily finding a successor with exactly the same style.

Although Casemiro performed excellently this season, that's because Manchester United only had one match per week, or even two weeks between games; he struggles with the rhythm of two matches per week. Manchester United is very likely to return to the Champions League next season; he may find the environment no longer suits his performance as it did this season. This season, Casemiro will participate in up to 36 matches.

Many players' past experiences show that when someone eagerly wants to prove themselves to achieve certain goals, they often perform exceptionally. Manchester United itself has experienced cases like "contract renewal enthusiasts" Ashley Young, Luke Shaw, and Rashford. Moreover, a veteran's decline isn't always gradual; sometimes it can plummet sharply. Casemiro wouldn't agree to a significant salary cut when performing most prominently, so Sir Jim believes renewing him still carries excessive risk.

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano also confirmed that Manchester United still does not intend to renew Casemiro's contract. Romano said the same last week, and after Sunday's match he reiterated: "Regarding Casemiro's situation, many ask me: will Manchester United change their mind and offer Casemiro a new contract? If Casemiro wishes to stay and play for Manchester United another season, he could even participate in the Champions League. Manchester United is getting closer to Champions League qualification. Unfortunately, Manchester United's response is: currently everything remains as before, no changes."

Romano added: "Everyone, I cannot predict the future. I cannot tell you whether Manchester United's board will decide to hire a new coach two months later. Who knows, let's wait and see. Maybe they will change their mind and choose to continue working with Casemiro. But today my task is to tell you the current situation. At this moment, Manchester United's message is not to engage in new negotiations with Casemiro. He signed a big contract with very high wages, and age is also a factor to consider."

At Old Trafford, hearing fans' chants urging him to stay, Casemiro smiled and waved towards the stands. The highly self-respecting Brazilian also chose to enjoy this moment, leaving Manchester United with fond memories, making people miss him; rather than waiting for his form to decline and then face criticism and leave in disgrace.