Gareth Barry thinks Manchester United will come to regret their decision to let Casemiro leave on a free transfer at the tip of the season.
The Brazil international announced earlier this season that he’ll leave Old Trafford when his contract expires at the tip of the present campaign.
Signed from Real Madrid for £60million in 2023, Casemiro’s form has fluctuated throughout his time in Manchester, however the 34-year-old has been certainly one of the club’s most consistent performers this season.
His current deal does have the choice to increase by an extra 12 months, but there look like no plans for the club to U-turn on their previous decision.
And former Premier League winner Barry believes that could possibly be a mistake from the Red Devils, insisting that replacing Casemiro’s ability in each boxes will prove a difficult task.
‘I feel they may grow to regret that,’ Barry told Metro via BetMGM. ‘Speaking from experience, I feel as you become old and also you get more mature, football does grow to be easier.
‘I get why Casemiro goes to lose certain strengths and certain abilities he used to have. But I feel his numbers, like defending in each boxes, the goals he gets, there aren’t many midfielders can try this.
‘So I feel even giving him a one-year extension or something like that, they’ve probably missed the trick.
‘Whether that would occur, I don’t know. But, definitely, seeing him play recently, he’s still got the power to affect games. So, he’s going to be tough to switch.’
Casemiro responds to calls for U-turn on Man Utd exit
Speaking last month on international duty, Casemiro said: ‘I’m still having fun with it so much (in Manchester).
‘I imagine the announcement is now done. It is big, the love that the fans have shown towards me.
‘But I do really imagine the choice is made and done. I’m having fun with myself without delay. I imagine it would be some difficult (emotional) moments, these (final) games at Manchester United.’
United had reportedly earmarked Elliot Anderson as a possible substitute for Casemiro, but it surely is alleged that rivals Manchester City are in pole position to sign the Nottingham Forest midfielder.
Anderson could possibly be tasked with filling the boots of Rodri as speculation swirls over his long-term future at City, but Barry can understand why his former club imagine that the Englishman could prove an acceptable substitute for the Ballon d’Or winner.
‘If Rodri is seeking to get out, I feel it’s going to be an actual, real tough one to switch. He has been one of the best holding midfielder on this planet for a very long time.
‘But I get it with Elliot Anderson and the links with City. His strengths for me are off the ball. There aren’t many higher varieties of players off the ball than Elliot Anderson.
‘So, I get why they’ll be taking a look at him and if that’s the type of deal they’re taking a look at and Rodri goes to go, I can see why they wish to get that done as quickly as possible.
‘He’s had one other great season, consistently performing well, and he’s been good for England too. Tough to switch Rodri, but Elliot Anderson, why can’t he grow into those shoes?’
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