Casemiro’s Legacy at Manchester United: Triumphs and Challenges

Casemiro made a remarkable impact at Manchester United following his transfer from Real Madrid in August 2022. The team had endured a challenging start to the season, suffering defeats against Brighton and Brentford, including a 4-0 loss to the latter. Casemiro immediately strengthened the midfield and infused the squad with a relentless winning mentality, cultivated during his eight-year tenure at the heart of Madrid’s Champions League successes.

His influence was crucial in guiding United to a third-place finish in the Premier League, a run to the FA Cup final, and a victory in the Carabao Cup, which he celebrated with the same enthusiasm as his past triumphs in Madrid. In an interview with AS, he characterized the 2022-23 season as the best individual performance of his career.

However, the toll of over 50 matches in a season weighed heavily on him, and in the subsequent campaign, he struggled to maintain pace in the Premier League, compounded by two injuries. The rest of the squad was similarly ravaged by injuries, leading to Casemiro being deployed in unfamiliar roles, such as center-back. His struggles came to a head during a 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, where he was notably exposed.

Following this performance, pundit Jamie Carragher criticized Casemiro on Sky Sports, stating, “A man of that level should not be going through what he’s going through now; he needs to call it a day.”

Despite being omitted from the FA Cup final squad, speculation about a summer departure arose, particularly if a Saudi club showed interest. Ultimately, no satisfactory offers materialized, and he began the next season positively. However, a costly mistake against Liverpool led to his substitution at halftime, and he then found himself sidelined for six weeks in the league.

Under interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, Casemiro was heavily relied upon, but new coach Ruben Amorim appeared to minimize his role, leaving him as an unused substitute for 12 out of 15 matches.

Casemiro eventually returned to the starting lineup against Tottenham, following injuries to teammates. During this time, Amorim acknowledged Casemiro’s intelligence but noted the increasing intensity of the league, suggesting the need for players capable of maintaining a high pace.

Once granted consistent playing time, Casemiro demonstrated his resilience, playing a key role in United’s journey to the Europa League final, contributing to three goals in a memorable comeback against Lyon and scoring in the semi-final against Athletic Club. His performance earned him a recall to the Brazil national team under Carlo Ancelotti.

This season, he has started 19 of United’s 22 league games, and the team has struggled in matches without him, highlighting his importance. He has made notable contributions, including four goals and an assist from a holding midfield position, and played a significant role in victories, such as United’s first win at Anfield in a decade.

In October, Amorim praised Casemiro for his determination to reclaim his position, commenting on the valuable experience he brings to the team. However, discussions about his potential departure this summer are ongoing. With his 34th birthday approaching and being one of the highest-paid players at the club, the justification for his salary has become increasingly difficult amid recent cost-cutting measures at United.

Casemiro’s transfer from Real Madrid, reported to have cost the club around £119 million in total, raises questions about the club’s financial decisions. Extending his contract by a year under the same terms would impose a further financial burden, especially if the team qualifies for the Champions League.

As new ownership seeks to reshape the club, the focus may shift towards acquiring younger talents capable of leading United’s midfield for the future. While Casemiro has expressed his lasting affection for Manchester United, it is clear that his tenure may be drawing to a close. Despite being viewed as a stop-gap measure, his time at the club has brought joy and stability, culminating in a return to the Champions League and the lifting of a trophy after six years. As he approaches the end of his contract, both the club and fans should cherish the remaining months with a player of his experience and tenacity.