How tough will Casemiro be to replace?

The Brazil international announced last month that he will leave the Reds when his contract expires at the end of this season, calling time on a four-year stint at Old Trafford.

He's been crucial throughout the current campaign, but particularly since Carrick came in – just a week prior to Case's departure announcement – with the head coach starting him alongside Kobbie Mainoo in all five of the games he's taken charge of so far.

In his meeting with journalists ahead of Monday night's clash, which incidentally falls on Casemiro's 34th birthday, Carrick discussed how important the Brazilian has been and why it's vital to have the right person in his role.

“Yeah, I've got to say, Case has been fantastic since I came in, really, on and off the pitch," Carrick said.

"Experience is a great thing if you use it in the right way. And again, I think over time, being a senior player here is almost the responsibility of the example and helping the young players, helping the rest of the boys and passing on your experiences in a positive way.

"He's been top since I came in, in so many ways, and he's been a pleasure to work with, and I look forward to continuing with him for a few months yet.”

Carrick knows just how important that deeper-lying midfield role is, having made 464 appearances there for the Reds during his playing days, and Case has arguably added extra prominence with his contributions at the other end of the pitch, currently sitting on five goals this season.

"Yeah, well, listen, it's an important position," the boss continued. "Not being biased, obviously, as being a midfielder, but I think it is an important position to try and tie everything together and you’re connected to the whole team, and that's sometimes emotionally, a little bit mentally, and showing that composure and understanding of the game a little bit.

"Case has had a big influence within the group on that. So, something we're fully aware of moving forward, for sure,” he added, noting how getting his replacement right will be crucial.

What's next for Casemiro is to be decided by the man himself, but Carrick has no doubt he's still capable of playing for a big club.

“Yeah, I'm sure he can, yeah. I'm sure he can," the former England international replied, when asked whether the Brazilian could move to another high-level team.

"He's playing as good a level as he's played at for some time, I think, at the moment.

"It's great to see, you know, in so many ways, I said, the experience, technically, game understanding, just composure in certain moments.

"He's in a really good place.”