Manchester United have officially announced that Casemiro will depart the club when his contract concludes this summer, following a request from the Brazilian international. The decision not to renew or extend the 33-year-old's contract was made some time ago, and Casemiro was informed of his fate.

However, amid escalating speculation about his future, he requested the club to publicly confirm their plans to "bring external clarity" to the situation, as per a source. Casemiro wanted to dispel any false rumours that the club would offer a new contract or activate an option, likely so that his representatives can begin the process of finding him a new club. His future has become a point of contention recently, as the player's contract includes a clause that extends his deal by a year if he starts 35 games this season. To trigger this clause, he would need to start in all remaining matches, which is now off the table.

By announcing his departure five months before his contract ends in June, it gives Casemiro and his team ample time to plan for the next season and strategise his move for the 2026/27 campaign, although his focus will remain on United in the short term. He delivered an exceptional performance in Saturday's derby day victory against Manchester City.

The choice not to offer the seasoned midfielder fresh terms forms part of United's strategy to revamp the squad. Casemiro was brought in for an initial £60million from Real Madrid during the summer of 2022, with additional payments pushing that figure to £70million.

He is also earning approximately £300,000 per week, a package that increases to nearly £350,000 per week when United qualify for the Champions League. Removing that salary from the wage bill will enable United to finance plans to strengthen the squad this summer, with a midfield overhaul in the pipeline.

Casemiro, who has netted 21 goals in 146 appearances for United thus far, said: "I will carry Manchester United with me throughout my entire life.

"From the first day that I walked out at this beautiful stadium, I felt the passion of Old Trafford and the love that I now share with our supporters for this special club.

"It is not time to say goodbye; there are many more memories to create during the next four months. We still have a lot to fight for together; my complete focus will, as always, remain on giving my everything to help our club to succeed."