Casemiro is expected to leave Old Trafford when his contract runs out (Image: Catherine Ivill – AMA, Getty Images)
Matheus Cunha has hinted that Casemiro might pull off a surprise U-turn and stay at Manchester United next season. Earlier this campaign, the veteran midfielder announced his plans to leave Old Trafford in the summer. The Brazilian is amongst the top earners at United, and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is keen to trim the club’s wage bill.
Casemiro has held talks with David Beckham’s Inter Miami and is expected to link up with the MLS outfit alongside Lionel Messi. Yet compatriot Cunha has made a startling claim, indicating that his international colleague could have second thoughts and prolong his spell at Old Trafford.
Cunha said: “I play with him in the national team and I know how important he is. He’s an amazing guy. And yeah, to have this guy in the dressing room is a privilege.
“We don’t know in the end how it is with his contract, and then of course we, everyone, hopes there’s a little bit more.
“Of course, of course, I know it’s harder than we talked about, but yeah, in the end, you never know.”
Cunha also called on United’s hierarchy to hand Michael Carrick the permanent manager’s role.
Carrick has made an impression since assuming control on a temporary basis, clinching Champions League qualification with three games to spare following Sunday’s triumph over arch-rivals Liverpool.
Cunha believes Carrick has earned the position permanently, stating: “I don’t think it’s in my hands, but what he did, he’s full of confidence in the group.
“I think he has the magic with like these (Sir Alex) Ferguson times. To be part of everything, when he did this, it’s amazing. He’s a pleasure, and of course, I think he deserves it.”
Cunha is convinced United’s return to the Champions League is only the start of the club’s long-awaited comeback.
Matheus Cunha has suggested that Casemiro might change his mind (Image: Shaun Brooks – CameraSport, CameraSport via Getty Images)
He has issued a warning that Carrick’s squad won’t be satisfied with simply taking part in the competition.
The 26-year-old is determined for the Red Devils to maintain their upward momentum and challenge for the most coveted trophies once more, reminiscent of Ferguson’s era.
Cunha, who scored the opening goal in the victory over Liverpool, stated: “I think when you’re coming (to a club like United), I think these kinds of clubs, like I said, need to be in the Champions League.
“But not only in the Champions League, we need to fight for all the titles. I think we cannot do this step bigger than what we have done this season, and I think this is the first one.
“I think we could come much stronger for next season, and then we try to do what we think about.”
Cunha believes United rightfully belong in the Champions League, competing alongside Europe’s elite clubs.
He declared: “You know, it’s one of the biggest privilege I have to play at this club, and we know the goal of the season is to be there. I think Champions League without this club is not the same competition, and this club without Champions League is not same club.
“To be part of this, to be one of these guys, when I came in, I think there were a lot of doubts about how the club will come back. I’m so happy to be part of this.”
Cunha has been in scintillating form of late, scoring vital goals against Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea and Liverpool, firmly establishing himself as a player who rises to the occasion.
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