Michael Carrick knows it will be crucial for Manchester United to effectively replace Casemiro when he leaves Old Trafford at the end of the season. The veteran midfielder will bid farewell to the Red Devils when his contract expires in the summer. A key member of the side under Carrick, he has made exactly 150 appearances for United since joining from Real Madrid back in 2022.

United were already looking to improve their midfield options before it was announced last month that Casemiro would be leaving when the campaign ends. His impending departure means it will be even more important to add quality in the engine room before the start of the 2026/27 season. Carrick was quizzed on Casemiro's exit over the weekend and admitted that it will be difficult for United to replace him.

"I've got to say, Case has been fantastic since I came, really, on and off the pitch, and experience is a great thing if you use it in the right way," said the interim Red Devils head coach.

"And again, I think over time, being a senior player here is almost the responsibility of the example and helping the young players, helping the rest of the boys and passing on your experiences in a positive way.

"Yeah, he's been top since I came in, in so many ways, and he's been a pleasure to work with, and I look forward to continuing with him for a few months yet."

Asked if Casemiro could play at a higher level next season, Carrick replied: "Yeah, I'm sure he can, yeah. I'm sure he can. You know, he's playing as good a level as he's played at for some time, I think, at the moment.

"And it's great to see, you know, in so many ways, I said, the experience, technically, game understanding, just composure in certain moments. So yeah, he's in a really good place."

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Discussing the challenges of replacing the 34-year-old, Carrick added: "Yeah, well, listen, it's an important position, I think. Not being biased, obviously, as being a midfielder, but I think it is an important position to try and tie everything together.

"You're connected to the whole team, and that's sometimes emotionally, a little bit mentally, and showing that composure and understanding of the game a little bit.

"And Case's has had a big influence within the group on that. So, something we're fully aware of moving forward, for sure."

The likes of Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba have been linked with United as potential midfield signings, but it's been widely reported that a nine-figure transfer fee would be required to land either player.

It remains to be seen how the Red Devils will approach the summer market, which will be hugely important as they look to attack the Premier League's upper reaches next season.

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