Do Man Utd fans regret it? Casemiro has returned to world-class form, but his final chapter with Manchester United is approaching.
On 2 Feb 2026 GMT+7, Manchester United narrowly defeated Fulham at Old Trafford. Although they led by two goals early in the second half, the visitors equalized during injury time before substitute Benjamin Sesko scored the winning goal, securing three points for the "Red Devils."
However, the key focus of this match was not the winning goal but the name Casemiro.
The Brazilian midfielder was the standout player on the pitch, controlling the midfield tempo, making several interceptions, and directly contributing to two of the team's goals.
The first goal came from a set piece when Casemiro surged forward to head in a free kick delivered by Bruno Fernandes. The second was a through ball that allowed Matheus Cunha to break past the defense and finish precisely from a tight angle.
Fans gave a standing ovation when he was substituted in the 75th minute, clearly showing their appreciation for Casemiro.
And the turning point of the game occurred at that moment.
After Casemiro left the field, Manchester United lost midfield stability immediately. Manuel Ugarte, who came on as his replacement, was unable to control the game at the same level, allowing Fulham more space to attack.
The result was a penalty conceded to Raúl Jiménez, followed less than 10 minutes later by an exquisite curling equalizer from Kevin. Despite controlling the game for most of the match, Manchester United nearly lost their victory.
Live broadcast footage captured Casemiro sitting with his head down in disappointment after the equalizer, before rising to celebrate with Michael Carrick after the team scored the winning goal late in the game.
This reflected his role and continued emotional connection to the team.
However, this season will be Casemiro's last with Manchester United. His contract expires at the end of the season, and both parties have agreed to part ways.
The main factor is his weekly wage of around £350,000, the highest in the team. While his on-field performance remains strong, from the club's perspective, his salary does not fit into the long-term financial structure.
Still, his form this season proves Casemiro can remain a vital asset. He is among the most consistent performers and benefits from a reduced schedule as Manchester United has no European commitments.
A suitable option might have been a contract renewal with a reduced wage, but since the departure has been clearly announced, the paths of both sides have reached their end.
No matter how well he performs in the remainder of the season, the separation at the end of the campaign is a fixed conclusion.
The remaining question for fans is whether Manchester United can find a midfielder offering the same experience, composure, and game understanding.
Matches against Fulham and others have shown that the moment Casemiro is off the pitch, Manchester United struggles noticeably to control the game.
This may be something the "Red Devils" must accept as they move forward into a new era without Casemiro in their midfield lineup.
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