Casemiro Bids Farewell to Old Trafford After Manchester United’s 3-2 Win Over Nottingham Forest

Manchester United’s 3-2 Premier League victory over Nottingham Forest on Sunday, 17 May 2026, marked the end of an era at Old Trafford, as midfielder Casemiro played his last home game for the club after joining from Real Madrid in 2022.

The 34-year-old Brazilian was substituted during the match to a standing ovation from supporters, with chants of “One more year” echoing around the stadium. Following the final whistle, Casemiro was joined on the pitch by his wife, Anna Mariana Casemiro, and their children, where the family took in the atmosphere as fans delivered a heartfelt tribute.

Across his 159 appearances in a Manchester United shirt, Casemiro contributed 26 goals and collected two major honours — the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup. His arrival coincided with a transitional period for the club, during which his leadership qualities and combative style in central midfield earned him considerable support among the fanbase.

The scenes at full-time prompted a significant reaction on social media, with United supporters using platforms including X to reflect on the midfielder’s contribution. Posts described him as a “warrior” and a “legendary red”, with many acknowledging the difficulty of replacing a player of his calibre. One widely shared post noted the journey from early scepticism about his signing to his eventual status as a key figure in the squad.

Anna Mariana Casemiro and the couple’s children were visibly emotional during the on-pitch farewell, underscoring the personal significance of the departure following the family’s years based in Manchester.

Casemiro himself addressed the crowd at Old Trafford before leaving the pitch, offering brief farewell words to supporters — footage of which circulated widely on social media on the day.

With the 2025-26 Premier League season drawing to a close, the midfielder’s next destination has yet to be confirmed. According to reports, his future could lie outside of Europe, with speculation suggesting Major League Soccer as a possible destination.

Signed in the summer of 2022 from Real Madrid, where he was a cornerstone of five UEFA Champions League-winning squads, Casemiro arrived at Old Trafford with considerable pedigree. His spell in Manchester, while at times disrupted by the broader upheaval surrounding the club’s ownership transition and managerial changes, ultimately produced silverware and a legacy built on consistent defensive midfield work.

Manchester United’s recruitment strategy heading into the summer transfer window will now include addressing the void left by his departure, with the club having already been linked with potential midfield reinforcements to reshape the squad under their current setup.