Casemiro Returns to Train Ahead of Manchester United , 2026

Key Points

• Casemiro has been declared fit to play in Manchester United’s final home game of the 2025–26 season against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, 17 May 2026
• Interim head coach Michael Carrick confirmed Casemiro’s availability during his pre-match press conference, stating: “Casemiro’s available.”
• The Brazilian midfielder returned to training at Carrington on Wednesday after missing United’s goalless draw at Sunderland due to fitness concerns
• Manuel Ugarte also returned to training alongside Casemiro, having recovered from a back problem before the Sunderland match
• Casemiro described walking out at Old Trafford for what could be his final time as “emotional for my family and me.”
• Carrick praised Casemiro’s contribution: “He’s been fantastic for us, for me personally, for us as a group, what he’s given us.”
• The match kicks off at 16:00 BST on Sunday, 17 May 2026, at Old Trafford
• This represents Casemiro’s potential farewell appearance at Old Trafford after passing the 100 United appearances milestone

Manchester United (Manchester Mirror) May 16, 2026 – Manchester United have received a significant fitness boost ahead of their Premier League encounter against Nottingham Forest this weekend, with interim head coach Michael Carrick confirming that veteran midfielder Casemiro will be fit to make what could be his final Old Trafford appearance on Sunday. The 34-year-old Brazilian, who has made more than 100 appearances for the Red Devils since arriving from Real Madrid in August 2022, returned to full training at Carrington on Wednesday afternoon after being ruled out of United’s goalless draw at Sunderland earlier in the week.

As reported by Manchester United’s official club channel, Carrick provided the update during his pre-match press conference scheduled for Friday afternoon, stating clearly:

“Case’s available. I can speak since I’ve been here and met him and worked with him, he’s been fantastic for us, for me personally, for us as a group, what he’s given us”.

The interim boss, who took charge following the departure of Erik ten Hag, emphasised the importance of Casemiro’s return for both the squad’s depth and the emotional significance of the occasion for the experienced midfielder.

Why Is This Match Particularly Emotional for Casemiro?

Casemiro himself has acknowledged the sentimental weight of Sunday’s fixture. As reported by the Manchester United fan page on Facebook, the Brazilian midfielder stated, “Walking out at Old Trafford for what could be my final time is emotional for my family and me. The comment comes amid growing speculation that the former Real Madrid and São Paulo star may be leaving Manchester United when his contract expires at the end of the 2025–26 season, though no official announcement has been made regarding his future at Old Trafford.

The midfielder’s journey at Manchester United has been marked by both triumph and challenge. He arrived at Old Trafford as one of the most respected and decorated midfielders in world football, having won multiple Champions League titles with Real Madrid. His most notable achievement came in February 2023 when he starred as Manchester United beat Newcastle United 2–0 in the EFL Cup final, earning manager Erik ten Hag a first trophy in his debut season. That performance showcased Casemiro’s enduring quality and ability to dominate midfield battles against top opposition.

How Did Casemiro Miss the Sunderland Match and What Was the Issue?

The club confirmed that Casemiro was unavailable for the match against Sunderland due to not being fit enough to participate, likely due to a minor issue. United’s official statement explained: “Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has returned to training at Carrington, after missing the goalless draw at Sunderland”. The club also noted that Manuel Ugarte was present at training, having recovered from a prior back problem before the match at the Stadium of Light.

Michael Carrick indicated optimism about the player’s potential return for the upcoming match against Nottingham Forest even before Casemiro’s return to training was confirmed. Now, United has announced that Casemiro participated in training with his teammates on Wednesday afternoon, making it highly probable that he will be available for the clash against Vitor Pereira’s side on Sunday. The club stated clearly: “United midfielder Casemiro returned to Carrington after missing goalless at Sunderland”.

What Impact Will Casemiro’s Return Have on Manchester United’s Squad Selection?

Carrick may provide additional updates on both Casemiro and Ugarte during his pre-match press conference scheduled for Friday afternoon, though the fitness returns have already given the interim coach more options in midfield. The availability of both experienced midfielders provides Carrick with greater flexibility as he prepares for what could be a crucial final home game of the season. Manchester United currently sit in mid-table in the Premier League standings, and a positive result against Nottingham Forest would provide momentum heading into the final fixtures of the campaign.

Manchester United welcomed Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte back to first-team training at Carrington today, as reported by Ground News. As a result, it looks as though both players will be in contention for selection against Nottingham Forest. Manchester United have received a huge double fitness boost ahead of their final home match of the Premier League season.

When and Where Will Manchester United Face Nottingham Forest?

The Premier League match between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest is scheduled for Sunday, 17 May 2026, at 16:00 BST at Old Trafford. Live events for Manchester United versus Nottingham Forest will start after kick-off, with kick-off for this game on Sunday, 17 May 2026 at 16:00. Sky Sports has confirmed the match details, listing the venue as Old Trafford with kick-off at 12:30 pm on Sunday 17th May 2026, though this appears to conflict with the 16:00 time listed on the official fixture page.

View live events, statistics, lineups, and head-to-head records for the Manchester United versus Nottingham Forest game on 17-05-2026 through official Premier League channels. The match represents United’s final home fixture of the 2025–26 Premier League season, adding additional significance to Casemiro’s potential farewell appearance.

Background of the Development

Casemiro’s potential departure from Manchester United comes after a three-and-a-half-year tenure at Old Trafford that began with high expectations following his £60 million transfer from Real Madrid in August 2022. The Brazilian midfielder was one of the most experienced and decorated players to join the club in recent years, bringing Champions League-winning pedigree from his time at the Spanish giants. During his time at Manchester United, Casemiro passed the 100 appearances milestone in the 2024–25 season, establishing himself as a key figure in midfield despite facing competition from younger players and dealing with various fitness challenges.

His arrival coincided with Erik ten Hag’s first season as manager, and Casemiro quickly became instrumental in United’s success, particularly in their EFL Cup triumph in February 2023 when he starred in the 2–0 victory over Newcastle United. The Brazilian’s ability to break up play, distribute the ball effectively, and provide defensive stability helped Ten Hag secure a first trophy in his debut season at Old Trafford. However, as United has transitioned under interim leadership following Ten Hag’s departure, Casemiro’s role has come under scrutiny, with questions about his future at the club intensifying as his contract approaches its expiration date.

Manuel Ugarte, who has also returned to training alongside Casemiro, represents another midfield option for United. The Uruguayan midfielder joined the club and recovered from a back problem that kept him out of the Sunderland match, adding depth to Carrick’s midfield choices.

Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Manchester United Fans and Players

Casemiro’s confirmed availability for Sunday’s match will undoubtedly generate significant emotional responses from Manchester United supporters who have followed his journey at Old Trafford. Fans attending the final home game of the season will likely witness a farewell tribute for the Brazilian midfielder, should he indeed make his final appearance at the stadium. The knowledge that Casemiro could be playing his last match at Old Trafford adds considerable emotional weight to the fixture, potentially affecting both the atmosphere inside the stadium and the players’ mindset on the pitch.

For the Manchester United squad, having Casemiro’s experience available provides Carrick with valuable midfield depth as the season reaches its conclusion. The interim head coach’s positive comments about Casemiro’s contribution suggest the midfielder remains respected within the dressing room, and his presence could prove crucial in a match that carries additional significance for both the club and the player. As Carrick noted, “That certainty helps, knowing the situation, for him and for us, for him to get in a place where he can give absolutely everything, knowing it’s going to come to an end”.

Should Casemiro leave Manchester United at the end of the season, the club will need to identify a replacement who can provide similar defensive stability and experience in midfield. The midfielder’s departure would mark the end of an era for United’s midfield, requiring the club to invest in younger talent or experienced players to fill the void. For fans, this development represents a moment of reflection on Casemiro’s three-and-a-half-year contribution to the club, which included significant achievements despite periods of injury and competition for places.

The match against Nottingham Forest will serve as a pivotal moment for both the club and Casemiro, with the outcome potentially influencing decisions about the midfielder’s future and United’s midfield strategy moving forward into the 2026–27 season.