(Credit: Imago)

Evan Shaw

Mon 16 March 2026 8:42, UK

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Wayne Rooney has urged Manchester United to hand Casemiro a fresh contract after admitting that he was wrong about his previous assessment of the player.

The Brazilian scored the opener for the Red Devils as they beat Aston Villa 3-1 on Sunday afternoon, with goals from Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko later making sure of the points.

Michael Carrick’s men secured a crucial three points over one of their direct rivals for Champions League qualification, and their latest victory at Old Trafford has left them five points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool.

United’s victory over Villa saw them provide an immediate response to the midweek defeat at Newcastle, and for Casemiro, it opened conversations regarding his stay at Old Trafford once again.

Wayne Rooney pushes for Casemiro extension

United have already decided that Casemiro will be allowed to leave upon the expiry of his contract in the summer, as co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe makes an attempt to slash the wage bill.

The Red Devils had the option to extend his previous deal by a further year, but they have already gone public in their stance that they will not be taking up that clause.

The former Real Madrid star has been a much-improved performer for them in 2025-26, as Sunday’s goal was his seventh of the season to go alongside two assists.

Supporters have completely altered their stance on the 34-year-old in recent months, and now Rooney has undergone a similar change of heart regarding his future.

When asked whether United should still offer him fresh terms during Sunday’s edition of Match of the Day, the 40-year-old replied: “I would now.”

“I said early on in his time at United I didn’t think he had the legs to get around (the pitch), I take that back, I think he’s been absolutely fantastic this season.”

Man United already planning to sign the next Casemiro

Former United chief scout Mick Brown recently told Football Insider that his former club have preparations underway to sign Casemiro’s replacement ahead of next season.

A number of candidates are beginning considered to step into a new-look midfield at Old Trafford next term, with Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton two of the standout names at the moment.

Despite Rooney’s change of heart, Brown has insisted that United “will not regret” their initial decision to allow Casemiro to walk away, as they want to go with a younger option long-term.

The veteran’s performances in 2025-26 have been enough to see many at Old Trafford alter their view towards him, but appears to have been too little and too late for the club to go back on their initial call.