Casemiro is expected to leave Old Trafford when his contract expires. (Image: Katherine Ivill – AMA, Getty Images)
Matheus Cunha has hinted that Casemiro could make a surprise U-turn and remain at Manchester United next season. At the beginning of this season, the veteran midfielder announced his plans to leave Old Trafford in the summer. The Brazilian is one of United’s highest-paid players and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is keen to cut the club’s payroll.
Casemiro is in talks with David Beckham’s Inter Miami and is expected to link up with the MLS side alongside Lionel Messi. But compatriot Cunha has made a surprising claim, suggesting his international colleagues may have second thoughts and extend his spell at Old Trafford.
Cunha said: “I played with him in the national team and I know how important he is. He’s a great guy. And yeah, it’s a privilege to have this guy in the dressing room.”
“We don’t know what his contract will be in the end, but of course we all expect a little more.
“Of course, of course, I know it’s harder than we were talking about, but yeah, at the end of the day, you never know.”
Cunha also called on United’s senior management to hand over the role of permanent manager to Michael Carrick.
Carrick has impressed since taking over on an interim basis and, following Sunday’s win over arch-rivals Liverpool, they qualify for the Champions League with three games in hand.
Cunha believes Carrick has earned the position permanently, saying:
“I think he’s got that magic of the[Sir Alex]Ferguson days. When he does this, it’s great to be a part of everything. He’s delighted and of course I think he deserves it.”
Cunha believes United’s return to the Champions League is just the beginning of the club’s long-awaited return.
Matheus Cunha suggested Casemiro might change his mind (Image: Shaun Brooks – CameraSport, CameraSport via Getty Images)
He warned that Carrick’s team would not be satisfied with just participating in competitions.
The 26-year-old is determined to maintain the Red Devils’ upward momentum and make another bid for the most coveted trophy reminiscent of the Ferguson era.
Cunha, who scored the opening goal in the win over Liverpool, said: “When you come to a club like United, like I said, I think this kind of club needs to be in the Champions League.”
“But we have to fight for all titles, not just the Champions League. I don’t think this step can be bigger than what we achieved this season and I think this is the first step.”
“I think we can be even stronger for next season, and then we will try to do what we have in mind.”
Cunha believes United deserve a place in the Champions League alongside Europe’s elite clubs.
“You know, it’s one of the greatest privileges for me to play for this club and I know that my goal for the season is to play there. I don’t think the Champions League without this club is the same competition, and this club without the Champions League is not the same club,” he declared.
“To be a part of this, to be a part of them, I think when I joined there were a lot of questions about how the club was going to come back, so I’m very happy to be a part of this.”
Cunha has been in great form of late, scoring important goals against Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea and Liverpool, cementing his status as a player to play in this situation.
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