"I’m Always Asking Him"—Matheus Cunha Reveals his Plea to Manchester United Teammate

Matheus Cunha has made an emotional plea to Casemiro to remain at Manchester United for at least one more season, as uncertainty continues to surround the veteran midfielder’s future at Old Trafford.

Casemiro, who joined United from Real Madrid in the summer of 2022 for a reported £70 million fee, has been one of the club’s most experienced and influential figures over the past few seasons. Now 34, the Brazilian has already indicated that the current campaign will be his last in Manchester, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.

Despite that, there remains a strong desire within the squad for him to stay.

Cunha, who arrived at United last summer from Wolverhampton Wanderers, has formed a close bond with his fellow Brazilian both on and off the pitch. Speaking recently, the forward admitted he has been persistently urging Casemiro to reconsider his decision.

“I’m always asking him, ‘come on, stay at Manchester United!’ Just one year with me, let’s go for a second year,” Cunha said.

His words reflect not just personal admiration, but also a wider feeling within the dressing room. Casemiro’s presence is seen as vital, particularly for a team that is still blending youth with experience.

“We’re very close, he’s always helping,” Cunha continued. “It’s incredibly rewarding to play with him here and with the national team. I always learn from him and understand more and more how he won so many titles.”

That last point speaks volumes. Casemiro’s career has been defined by success at the highest level. During his time at Real Madrid, he won multiple Champions League titles and established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders of his generation. His experience, composure, and tactical intelligence have been key assets for Manchester United since his arrival.

Even this season, despite questions about his long-term future, Casemiro has continued to deliver on the pitch. His goal in the recent 3-1 win over Aston Villa — his seventh of the campaign — was another reminder of his ability to influence games in crucial moments. The goal sparked loud chants of “one more year” from the Old Trafford crowd, highlighting the strong connection he has built with the fans.

However, sentiment alone may not be enough to change the club’s direction.

Manchester United are already planning for the future, with replacing Casemiro seen as a key priority. At 34, the midfielder is entering the latter stages of his career, and the club is keen to refresh its squad with younger options in midfield.

Still, the situation is not entirely closed. United reportedly hold an option to extend Casemiro’s contract by an additional 12 months. While there has been no clear indication that this clause will be activated, it does leave a small window open — one that players like Cunha are clearly hoping will be used.

Cunha also hinted that the final decision may not be purely in the club’s hands.

“He’s reached a stage where he can decide where to play,” he said. “And I hope it is with us.”

That statement reflects Casemiro’s standing in the game. Few players have the kind of career achievements and reputation that allow them to choose their next step with such freedom. Whether he opts to stay in Europe, return to Brazil, or explore opportunities elsewhere, the decision will likely be a personal one.

Meanwhile, Cunha is not alone in his efforts to convince the midfielder to stay. Young defender Leny Yoro has also revealed that the entire squad values Casemiro’s presence.

“Everyone wanted him to stay,” Yoro said. “He’s a player who is really important for us.”

Yoro went on to highlight the impact Casemiro has beyond matchdays.

“Even in the dressing room, every day, he has the experience that no one else has in the team. He won everything, so this helped us a lot in the games and even outside the pitch.”

For a squad that includes several young and developing players, having a figure like Casemiro can be invaluable. His leadership, professionalism, and winning mentality set standards that others can follow.

From a tactical perspective, replacing him will not be easy either. Casemiro’s ability to break up play, read the game, and provide a defensive shield has been a cornerstone of United’s midfield structure. While younger players may offer energy and pace, replicating his positional awareness and big-game experience is a far greater challenge.

As the season enters its final stages, the question of Casemiro’s future will continue to hang over Old Trafford. Performances like the one against Aston Villa only strengthen the argument for keeping him, even if just for one more year.

For now, Cunha and his teammates can only hope their message gets through.

Because while the club may be planning for the future, the players who share the pitch with Casemiro every week know exactly what they would be losing.

And sometimes, in football, experience like his is not so easy to replace.