Robson Backs Casemiro for Old Trafford Recall: 'He's Still Got It'

Bryan Robson reckons Manchester United would be making a mistake letting Casemiro walk away, backing the Brazilian to prove his doubters wrong with another season at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils icon, who lifted two Premier League titles and four FA Cups during his United tenure, believes his former club should pursue a fresh deal with the midfielder rather than wave goodbye this summer.

Casemiro's stock at United has undoubtedly taken a hit since his £60m arrival from Real Madrid in summer 2022. An impressive opening campaign gave way to a sharper decline, prompting Jamie Carragher to suggest the Brazilian should quit the game before it quit him come the close of 2023/24.

The mutual agreement to scrap the one-year extension option has been rubber-stamped, with Casemiro's departure locked in for the end of the season. Yet Robson isn't convinced that's the right call.

"I would encourage Casemiro to stay," Robson told BoyleSports. "He's had a really good season this year. He's a top player. He's got a great football brain. He's a really good passer of the ball. He heads the ball well and when he goes in to tackle, he means it.

"You don't stay at Real Madrid for the amount of years he did and win Champions League titles if you're not an absolute top player and people see what you're really good at. So I think next season he could definitely give us a little bit more with his experience. He was great in Europe last year too."

Casemiro himself isn't making any noise about the exit, instead reaffirming his devotion to the club as recently as the new year. "I am Manchester United until death," he declared in a statement, referencing the song the Old Trafford faithful have taken to singing.

The midfielder spoke of the passion he felt upon arrival at the Theatre of Dreams and vowed to squeeze every last drop of effort from the remaining months of his spell. "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," Casemiro said.

"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.

"It is so special and I will always carry this club with me for all my life. I will always be a Manchester United fan, my whole family too. In England, I am red, I am Manchester United until death. So all I want to say is: thank you for everything. Thank you, thank you everyone that made this time in my life so special, especially the fans. I will never forget my song! Thank you very much."