Trending Now - Manchester United Advances in UCL Race Following Villa Victory
WHO:
Michael Carrick, Manchester United head coach
Leny Yoro, Manchester United player
Michael Carrick, Manchester United head coach
Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United captain
Casemiro, Manchester United player
Matheus Cunha, Manchester United player
Ross Barkley, Aston Villa player
Benjamin Sesko, Manchester United substitute
Unai Emery, Aston Villa head coach
Omar Berrada, Manchester United CEO
Jason Wilcox, Manchester United director of football
WHAT:
Carrick stated that Manchester United "definitely" don't want to lose Bruno Fernandes in the summer.
Fernandes has a release clause in his contract for a fee of around £57 million.
Casemiro's goal against Aston Villa was his seventh of the season, marking his best single-season figure since scoring six for Real Madrid in 2020-21.
Casemiro has scored six goals from set-pieces this season, two more than any other player in the league.
Yoro mentioned that the Manchester United squad wanted Casemiro to stay, stating, "Everyone wanted him to stay, he's a player [who is] really important for us."
Manchester United won 3-1 against Aston Villa on March 12th, 2026.
Bruno Fernandes provided two assists in the match.
Fernandes reached 100 assists in all competitions.
Fernandes' two assists brought his total to 16 in the Premier League this season, breaking David Beckham's record of 15 set in 1999-2000.
Casemiro scored the opening goal from a corner taken by Fernandes.
Matheus Cunha scored after receiving a pass from Fernandes.
Manchester United moved three points clear of Aston Villa in the league standings.
WHERE:
The match took place at Old Trafford, Manchester.
WHEN:
The match occurred on March 12th, 2026.
Fernandes suggested in an interview in December 2025 that he could leave the club at the end of the 2025-2026 season.
Fernandes is under contract until at least 2027.
WHY:
Carrick indicated that the decision regarding Casemiro's departure was mutually agreed upon in January, and he does not expect a U-turn on that decision.
Carrick stated that keeping Fernandes is a priority for Manchester United amid a midfield rebuild.
Fernandes turned down a mega-money offer from Al Hilal last summer to stay with Manchester United.
HOW:
Carrick emphasized the importance of Fernandes' contributions in key moments during matches.
The team utilized set pieces effectively, as demonstrated by Casemiro's goal from a corner taken by Fernandes.
(UPDATED March 16, 2026 15:16 UTC)
Today, Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick emphasized that the club "definitely" does not want to lose Bruno Fernandes this summer, despite his release clause being set at around £57 million. In other news, Casemiro scored his seventh goal of the season against Aston Villa, marking his best single-season tally since he netted six for Real Madrid in 2020-21, and he leads the league with six goals from set-pieces. Player Leny Yoro expressed the squad's desire for Casemiro to remain, noting that everyone recognizes his importance, while Carrick confirmed that the decision regarding Casemiro's departure was mutually agreed upon in January, with no expectation of a change.
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(UPDATED March 16, 2026 13:20 UTC)
In a thrilling match at Old Trafford on March 12, 2026, Manchester United secured a 3-1 victory over Aston Villa, with Bruno Fernandes shining by providing two assists and reaching a milestone of 100 assists in all competitions. His performance not only helped Casemiro score the opening goal but also allowed Matheus Cunha to find the net, pushing United three points clear of Villa in the league standings. Head coach Michael Carrick emphasized the importance of keeping Fernandes, who turned down a lucrative offer from Al Hilal last summer, as the team looks to rebuild its midfield.