"One more year, one more year Casemiro," bellowed the Stretford End as the Brazilian midfielder made his way down the tunnel to the Manchester United dressing room.
The 34-year-old had just completed the full 90 minutes in a 2-1 win over Brentford that highlighted everything that makes him such an important player. After scoring for the third successive home game, he celebrated by pointing to the badge on his shirt and then giving it a couple of kisses for good measure. He knows how to play to a crowd.
At the end, twice winning free-kicks inside the home penalty area, maximising contact from Nathan Collins as Brentford desperately hunted an equaliser. The contributions were priceless and underline what will be missed next season when Casemiro is presumably embarking on another phase of his career—in the United States if the rumours become reality.
"Yes," said manager Michael Carrick when asked if the Brazilian's United career will definitely end next month. "It is pretty clear, from both sides."
Filling the midfield void is by a considerable distance Manchester United's priority this summer. Their latest victory leaves them two points short of Champions League qualification after a two-year absence. They have four games left. They would have to lose them all and Brighton or Bournemouth would need to win all their matches. No-one in an official capacity will say so, but the task technical director Jason Wilcox set United's squad in the wake of Ruben Amorim's dismissal in January has been achieved.
Now, the big decisions must be made, around players and management. Replacing Casemiro is one of the biggest.
"Cas has had an influence in the group," said Carrick. "He has huge experience and given everything you can possibly give. But it's football. Players come and go."
Central midfield is the priority area to strengthen. Nottingham Forest's Elliott Anderson is the number one target. But the feeling at Old Trafford is the approach this summer will differ significantly from what went on under previous regimes in two aspects. Firstly, it has been stressed, the club will not overpay. If the price for Anderson, who is also coveted by Manchester City amongst others, is £120m, United won't pursue. Every player's value has a cap, no matter how well regarded they are. Secondly, they intend to avoid getting drawn into protracted negotiations before switching after the season has started, which is exactly how Casemiro ended up at Old Trafford in 2022 after Erik ten Hag's lengthy pursuit of Frenkie de Jong.