Manchester United midfielder Casemiro continues to attract attention over his long-term future, and his teammates are part of the conversation.
That topic resurfaced after United’s win over Aston Villa, when Bruno Fernandes reacted to comments from FC Porto defender Thiago Silva about a potential reunion with Casemiro. The Porto player had recently suggested he would welcome the chance to play alongside the Manchester United midfielder again.
Fernandes approached the subject with a clear hint of rivalry. The United captain began his career at Sporting and still has strong ties with the Lisbon club. Because of that background, he joked that he would rather see Casemiro join Sporting than Porto.
“I’d prefer he doesn’t go, or if he does that he goes to Sporting,” Fernandes said to DAZN Portugal. “I know the connection he has with Porto, but it’s up to him to decide.”
Sporting connection behind Fernandes’ joke
Fernandes’ remark carried a clear context. The midfielder emerged through Sporting’s system and later captained the club before joining Manchester United in 2020. Even the two clubs have a strong connection due to important transfers over the years.
That explains why he would rather see Casemiro avoid strengthening one of Sporting’s biggest rivals.
Still, Fernandes made it clear that the Brazilian’s status would make any return significant for the Portuguese game.
“I think he’s a player whose career speaks for itself. His name and his history are huge,” he said.
Casemiro spent part of the 2014-15 season on loan at FC Porto from Real Madrid. The spell helped him gain experience in Europe before he returned to Madrid and became a key part of their Champions League-winning side.
Fernandes believes a comeback would bring attention to the league.
“He would give a lot to our football, especially in terms of visibility,” he explained. “He’s a player with a huge history returning to a club where he was happy and that served as a launch pad before he established himself at Real Madrid.”
He finished with another playful warning about the competitive impact.
“It would be great for the Portuguese league – not so much for Sporting, because FC Porto would become stronger!”
Matheus Cunha also hoping
Striker Matheus Cunha also admitted he hopes the experienced midfielder remains at Manchester United, highlighting both their friendship and the impact Casemiro has inside the dressing room.
“I’m always asking him: ‘Come on, stay at Manchester United! Not just one year with me. Let’s go for a second year,’” Cunha revealed to Brazilian journaist Fred Caldeira. “We’re very close. He’s always helping me and it’s very rewarding to play with him here and with the national team.”
Cunha also pointed to the leadership and experience Casemiro brings to the squad. “I’m always learning and understanding more and more how he won so many titles. He’s reached a stage where he can decide where he wants to play, and I hope that’s with us.”
Future still undefined
For Manchester United, the exchange reflects the wider discussion around Casemiro’s future. The midfielder’s contract runs until June 2026, with an option for another year.
| Casemiro's Remaining Games | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Bournemouth | Away | 2oth March | |
| Leeds United | Home | 13th April | |
| Cheslea | Away | 18th April | |
| Brentford | Home | 27th April | |
| Liverpool | Home | TBC | |
| Sunderland | Away | TBC | |
| Nottingham Forest | Home | TBC | |
| Brighton | Home | TBC |
Clubs from Brazil have already explored the possibility of bringing him back if he leaves Europe. MLS teams have also tracked experienced players with global profiles.
Casemiro has said recently that he still feels capable of performing at the highest level for several more years. For now, his focus remains on Manchester United.
Yet comments from teammates and former colleagues show that the conversation about his next step is already underway.
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