Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has admitted he is not content with his current game time despite having a “lot of respect” for head coach Ruben Amorim.
Casemiro was given a starting berth for Thursday’s 1-1 away draw against Real Sociedad in the first leg of Man United’s Europa League last-16 tie.
However, starting opportunities have not always been a common occurrence for the Brazilian midfielder, who has struggled for regular playing time under Amorim.
Casemiro has featured in just seven of Amorim’s 16 Premier League matches, amid competition from the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo.
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Casemiro addresses lack of playing time
The former Real Madrid midfielder has admitted that he is not content with playing a squad role and wants to be playing more regularly for the 20-time English champions.
“If a player is on the bench and is happy, that player is not worth anything for any team,” Casemiro told reporters.
“Of course I want to play. I want to have more minutes, but the coach is the one who makes the decisions, and I have a lot of respect for him and for the club.
“I always say, and these are my values, I respect the coach a lot and I respect the club. Every day I go to Carrington or Old Trafford, I try to do my best. That’s my biggest quality.”
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Casemiro addresses Man United future
There has been speculation suggesting that Man United could look to offload Casemiro and his £375,000-a-week wages at the end of the campaign.
Serie A giants AC Milan are among those who have been linked with a potential move for the experienced midfielder.
Casemiro’s current deal expires at the end of the 2025-26 season, although there is an option to extend by a further 12 months.
From the player’s perspective, Casemiro insists it is “too soon” to discuss his future, with his focus on Sunday’s Premier League home game against Arsenal.
“It’s too soon to talk about next season, but of course I have another year of contract and then an option,” Casemiro said.
“‘We have important games, and on Sunday we have Arsenal. I’m here, I’m available, with total happiness, and I’m ready for the coach and the club. As everyone knows, I’m a big character for the club.”
Casemiro will be hoping to retain his spot against the Gunners, with the Red Devils targeting back-to-back league victories after beating Ipswich Town in their most recent top-flight encounter.
