Casemiro’s Resurgence: From Doubt to Determination at Manchester United

Casemiro’s tenure at Manchester United has faced significant challenges since his arrival in 2022. Following a dismal performance during a 4-0 defeat against Crystal Palace in May 2024, pundit and former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher suggested that Casemiro’s time at the elite level might be over. He advised the midfielder to complete the season and consider a move to Major League Soccer or Saudi Arabia.

“I always remember the saying: ‘Leave the football before the football leaves you,'” Carragher remarked in a harsh critique. “The football has left him. At this top level, he needs to call it a day and move on.”

Three weeks later, Casemiro was named as a substitute for the FA Cup final against Manchester City. Prior to the match, he informed manager Erik ten Hag about his lack of fitness and opted out of participating in the squad. After the unexpected 2-1 victory, he briefly attended the post-match celebrations before departing for a family vacation.

Surprisingly, he remained with the club throughout the summer transfer window in 2024, but soon encountered further obstacles. In the third match of the 2024-25 season, with United trailing 2-0 at home against Liverpool, Ten Hag substituted Casemiro at halftime, bringing on young talent Toby Collyer for his Premier League debut. From that point, Casemiro started just two more league matches before Ten Hag’s dismissal.

Ruben Amorim, Ten Hag’s successor, initially shared doubts regarding Casemiro’s contribution. During the midfielder’s prolonged absence from the lineup in December and January, Amorim questioned whether he could adapt to the intense demands of the Premier League. “We know that Casemiro has different qualities now,” Amorim stated. “He is intelligent and understands the game, but our team requires players who can match the league’s intensity.”

“We all recognize Casemiro’s talents and achievements, but this decision comes down to selection.”

Nearly 11 months later, Casemiro has not only reinstated himself in the United lineup but has also emerged as a role model for his teammates, demonstrating what perseverance can achieve. With Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee facing limited playing time and potential exits, Amorim is keen to showcase Casemiro’s successful comeback.

“I highlighted to them that Casemiro was once not in the starting XI, yet he fought to reclaim his spot,” Amorim remarked recently. “If you earn your place, you will play. This serves as a lesson for the team about fairness and the significance of their contributions.”

Casemiro has been instrumental in United’s improving performance this season. Notably, of the 20 goals conceded by Amorim’s squad across all competitions, he has been off the field for 15 of them. In two of the last three matches, against Brighton (4-2 win) and Tottenham (2-2 draw), United maintained a clean sheet until his substitution, only to concede afterward. It has become imperative for Amorim to manage Casemiro’s minutes carefully as other midfield options struggle to keep pace.

“His experience is invaluable and sets an example for everyone,” Amorim commented following the 4-2 win over Brighton. “His contributions are crucial. He exerts a high level of pressing and recovers well. I’m genuinely pleased with his performance, and the rest of the squad should take note of Casemiro.”

Casemiro’s return to the Brazil national team, set to face Senegal at London’s Emirates Stadium, has been bolstered by the hiring of his former Real Madrid coach, Carlo Ancelotti. Despite a professional yet somewhat distant relationship with Amorim, Casemiro shares a strong bond with Ancelotti, who expressed deep emotion when informed of Casemiro’s transfer to United in August 2022. The duo celebrated three Champions League victories together, and upon Ancelotti’s naming of his first Brazil squad, Casemiro was recalled despite a near 20-month absence from international play.

“In my opinion, he is a great player,” Ancelotti stated. “I was fortunate to coach him [at Real Madrid]. The national team needs players with charisma, personality, and talent. Brazil has always been rich in talent, but in modern soccer, attitude, commitment, and sacrifice are equally necessary, and Casemiro embodies those qualities.”

Matheus Cunha expressed his gratitude to be part of Manchester United, particularly during his successful phase under Amorim.

While it is highly likely that Casemiro will participate in next summer’s World Cup with Brazil, his future beyond that remains uncertain. His contract with Manchester United is set to expire in June, and while it previously appeared that he would depart on a free transfer, his recent performances have opened the possibility for him to remain, albeit with a significant salary reduction. As one of the highest-paid players, United aims to reduce their wage bill, especially after the exits of other high earners like David De Gea, Raphaël Varane, and Marcus Rashford.

“We are uncertain about what will transpire,” Amorim commented regarding Casemiro’s contract. “My aim is to continue utilizing Casemiro. However, let’s concentrate on this season first. I am very satisfied with his contributions.”

Settled in Manchester, Casemiro has not ruled out any options, although those close to him believe a departure is more likely. If he leaves, his priority would be European offers, followed by opportunities in Major League Soccer or Saudi Arabia; a return to Brazil would be a last resort. His future at United may hinge on whether the club opts to sign one or two midfielders next summer and the fates of Mainoo and/or Ugarte.

Regardless of his future, Casemiro, who will turn 34 in February, remains eager to continue his playing career. “I’ve started playing well again,” Casemiro shared with ESPN. “It’s essential to stay focused and keep working. We [United] must maintain our rhythm and focus. We are in a good dynamic, but the Premier League is a fiercely competitive environment where every match is a battle.”

In Casemiro, Amorim has discovered a reliable player in challenging situations. His influence has grown to such an extent that questions arise regarding the team’s functionality in his absence. Not long ago, Casemiro’s career at the highest level appeared to be at an end. Now, he plays a pivotal role in sustaining Manchester United.