Man Utd's Casemiro says Carrick has helped him improve as a 'specialist midfielder'

Casemiro says that Michael Carrick has been able to get the best out of him at Manchester United because he was a "specialist" midfielder.

The Brazilian has dismissed the idea of reversing his decision to leave United at the end of the season.

But he admits he has been moved by the fans wanted him to stay for another season.

"Honestly, there is no explanation," he told us. "All I can do is be grateful, because I am really enjoying myself a lot.

"Not just me, but all my family. It is an honour for us to listen to the fans' love and affection.

"Lots of people think it is just the last few months, since the announcement, but I have to be thankful, since the very first day that I arrived here, the fans have been amazing with me and my family.

"So, I am so grateful to the fans, and the United fans, I am going to remember for the rest of my life."

The midfielder has been rejuvenated under Carrick, scoring two goals in his last three Premier League matches.

United announced in January that Casemiro would leave the club when his contract expires after four seasons at Old Trafford and more than 150 appearances.

Speaking after playing in Brazil’s 2-1 defeat by France, the 34-year-old said: “I am still enjoying it a lot (in Manchester).

“It is huge, the affection that the fans have shown towards me. But I do really believe the decision is made and done. I believe it will be some difficult moments, these (final) games at Manchester United.”

Casemiro, who previously spent a decade at Real Madrid, had warm praise for Carrick and the impact the former midfielder has had since taking over from Ruben Amorim on an interim basis.

“Above all, Michael is a specialist in my position on the field, he was a truly great player,” added the Brazilian.

“That makes everything much easier and he is always talking to us. I feel like we are in a good dynamic right now in Manchester and my objective now is to get the club back into the Champions League.”

United have won seven of their last 10 games to climb to third place in the Premier League table and will face Leeds in their next match on April 13.