Man United’s Casemiro wants to ‘play more,’ see out contract

Manchester United’s Casemiro has said he wishes to stay at the club until the end of his existing contract in 2026. The Brazilian said he wants to play more for the Red Devils amid the challenging season for the club as things haven’t gone their way.

Casemiro joined United in 2022 from Real Madrid and he started for the club in a 0-1 loss against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. Before the match against the Lilywhites, Casemiro was benched for 10 out of the last 11 matches.

Manchester United is struggling in 15th place in the Premier League standings with eight wins, five draws and 12 losses. 

“I have to keep doing what I’m doing, with a lot of respect, and good behaviour,” Casemiro told Diario AS in an interview published on Monday.

“Of course, I’d like to play more. I don’t know any player who doesn’t want to play. And I want to help the club at this time. I face things with respect for my teammates and the staff, and above all, respect for United.”

“I have a year and a half left on my contract, and I’d like to see it out here in Manchester. I’m comfortable here, and my family is too. They’ve adapted, we speak English. I’m very grateful to the fans and the club. I’m happy at the club. Happy on the bench? Of course not, that’s something else.”

The Brazilian had signed a €70 million ($73.3m) deal in August 2022 with Manchester United after spending almost a decade with Los Blancos. Many football experts believe Casemiro is past his past but the 32-year-old feels he still has a lot of fuel left in his tank.

“I’m young, and I’ve got a lot left to give,” Casemiro told AS. “I’m about to turn 33. Nowadays that’s like being 28 before — with nutrition, physical preparation, all that extending a player’s career if you look after yourself. That’s why Cristiano [Ronaldo] is still scoring 50 goals a season, at 40 years old.”

Manchester United will take on Everton at the Goodison Park on Saturday.