Michael Carrick reveals he decided last week that Casemiro’s final game for Manchester United would be at Old Trafford, meaning the Brazilian will not be involved at Brighton on Sunday.
It was decided in January that the midfielder would be leaving at the end of the season, with the club not taking up an option to extend his contract by a year.
The 34-year-old has remained a key player in the starting XI, though, making 34 Premier League appearances in his final season with the Red Devils.
The Brazil international – who is in his country’s squad for the World Cup this summer – had an emotional send off at Old Trafford on Sunday after Manchester United beat Nottingham Forest 3-2.
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It appeared that he was just saying farewell to the home support, but it has now been confirmed that Casemiro has played his final game for the club.
Explaining the decision, Carrick said, via The Sun: ‘First of all on Casemiro: I decided last week would be his last game.
‘That went as well as we could have hoped, to be honest, and he’s been fantastic.
‘I’ve said a lot of things about how well Case has done for me and for the whole club. I decided it was a good time for him to finish.
‘It just felt the right time for Case. When it was decided, he was a part of that as well, so it was the right time.’
The Sun report that Casemiro did not ended an end of season meal for players and their partners in Manchester, but there does not appear to be any animosity in the decision for him not to play on Sunday.
Posting on social media about his departure, the veteran wrote: ‘There are places we pass through in life… and there are places that become part of who we are. Manchester will forever be my home.
‘To the city, the club, and every supporter, my sincerest thank you. These past four years have been unforgettable, filled with moments my family and I will carry with us for the rest of our lives.
‘There simply aren’t enough words to describe the happiness and warmth we’ve felt here. Thank you for every cheer, every memory, and for making us feel at home from the very first day. Forever a Red Devil.’
Casemiro is reportedly closing in on a move to Inter Miami, despite interest from Europe and Saudi Arabia.
Carrick suggested that the final game of the season will feature a number of Manchester United academy talents, who will be desperate to make an impact.
The Red Devils are guaranteed to finish third so there is nothing on the line for them, but there is plenty on the line for the Seagulls, who sit seventh in the table ahead of the final weekend and in line to secure European football.
They could finish as high as sixth, but could miss out on Europe by finishing ninth if results go against them.
On blooding youngsters at Brighton, Carrick said: ‘This club’s about bringing young players through and academy players and giving them opportunities.
‘We feel a real responsibility towards the game as well and getting the balance right going into games like this. But yes, of course, it’s an opportunity to make the most of that.
‘We’ve got some really good young players we want to take the next steps with and give the opportunity so hopefully that pans out in a positive way.
‘There is an element of balance. We’re not done, the season’s not done for us. The biggest thing is we’re really conscious to respect this last game and what it stands for.’