Casemiro: Manchester United has no plans to back down and offer a new contract for the Brazilian

Manchester United have no plans to reverse their decision to offload veteran midfielder Casemiro at the end of the season.

The 34-year-old Brazilian announced in January that he would leave the club when his £350,000-a-week contract expires.

Despite his strong performances this season, United have concluded that they will not offer a new contract to the former Real Madrid midfielder, who will be available on a free transfer.

Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has previously expressed disbelief at Casemiro’s £18.2m annual salary, and the 73-year-old has vowed to cut costs.

This was believed to be behind the decision not to exercise the option on Casemiro’s contract, with United wanting to make the decision early to allow them to continue to overhaul the squad in the long term.

Casemiro requested that the news be published to avoid any confusion towards the end of the season.

However, since then, Casemiro has put in a string of excellent performances.

He opened the scoring against Aston Villa on Sunday with his seventh goal this season, six of which were headers.

The midfielder celebrated against Stratford End by repeatedly pointing to the club badge on his shirt.

In response, the fans chanted “Another year, Casemiro”, and repeated it after the final whistle as the player headed into the tunnel.

Captain Bruno Fernandes and defender Lenny Euro said after the match that they hoped Casemiro would stay at the club.

However, sources told BBC Sport that the club has no plans to re-evaluate its decision.

Interim coach Michael Carrick also indicated that there would be no change to Casemiro’s future at Old Trafford.

“When a decision is made, it becomes a little easier and everyone understands the situation,” Carrick said.

“His influence has been fantastic, with his influence within the team and in the big moments and goals.

“There was a beautiful moment at the end with the fans. He will enjoy that moment.”