Despite benching the midfielder in the FA Cup final against Manchester City in May, Erik ten Hag maintains that Casemiro is still a “important player” for Manchester United.
With a weekly salary of £365,000, the 32-year-old is among United’s biggest earners. However, he came under fire for his play in the latter few weeks of the previous campaign.
Jamie Carragher, a former Liverpool defender, encouraged the Brazilian to “call it a day and move” following a dismal performance at Selhurst Park during a 4-0 loss to Crystal Palace.
Ten Hag originally had Casemiro on the bench for United’s FA Cup final versus City, but the midfield player withdrew before the game started because of a hamstring ailment.
United went on to secure a 2-1 win over City to win the FA Cup – an achievement which many believe prevented Ten Hag’s reign from ending.
Speaking about Casemiro’s omission for the trip to Wembley, Ten Hag said: ‘You have to make choices, what was needed for that particular game.
‘But he is a very important player. He is a leader and he can make a difference for our team.
‘No one can play every game. It’s impossible.’
Casemiro has been heavily linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League but has travelled with United’s squad for their pre-season tour of the United States.
Asked if he expects Casemiro to stay at Old Trafford, Ten Hag replied: ‘All the players who are there, if they want to play for us and they have the quality, then I hope they keep contributing to our team.
‘We have seen that Casemiro in his career is so successful.
‘In the previous season he was so important to achieve all the success we had there. So when he is on this level, he is a very impactful player for us.’