Since joining Manchester United in 2022, Casemiro’s career has faced challenges multiple times. Following a disastrous display in a 4-0 loss to Crystal Palace in May 2024, pundit and former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher claimed that the time had come for him to go. He recommended that Casemiro complete the season before considering a transfer to MLS or clubs in Saudi Arabia.
«I frequently recall the adage: ‘Exit football before it exits you,'» Carragher articulated in a harsh critique. «The game has already moved on from him. At this elite level, he should make the decision to retire and move elsewhere.»
Just three weeks later, Casemiro found himself on the bench for the FA Cup final against Manchester City. However, prior to kickoff, he informed manager Erik ten Hag that he wasn’t fully fit and didn’t wish to participate in the lineup. Following the unexpected 2-1 victory, he briefly joined post-match celebrations before swiftly departing for a holiday with his family.
It was surprising that he remained through the summer transfer window of 2024, but soon after, Casemiro encountered another hurdle. With United trailing 2-0 at home against Liverpool in the third match of the 2024-25 season, Ten Hag substituted him at halftime for young player Toby Collyer, who made his inaugural Premier League start. Casemiro would go on to start only two more league matches before Ten Hag’s dismissal.
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Ruben Amorim, who took over for Ten Hag, was also uncertain about Casemiro’s worth at first. During the Brazilian’s extended absence from the team in December and January, the Portuguese manager pondered whether he could handle the pressures of the Premier League. «We acknowledge that Casemiro currently possesses different attributes,» Amorim commented in January. «He’s smart, comprehends the game, and anticipates where the ball will be. However, we compete in a league characterized by significant intensity differences, which means we require players with high energy, and sometimes, we lack that.»
«We all recognize Casemiro’s talents and his accolades, so there’s nothing more to say. It simply comes down to selection decisions.»
Nearly 11 months have gone by since Amorim appeared to have deemed Casemiro as surplus to requirements. Yet he has not only returned to United’s lineup but is now viewed as a role model for the rest of the team regarding what can be achieved through determination and hard work.
With Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee struggling for playing time and being speculated for moves away, it’s crucial for Amorim to have a player like Casemiro to spotlight as an example of a successful comeback.
«I demonstrated to them that Casemiro was not in the starting lineup. He had fallen behind, yet he fought back,» Amorim stated earlier this month. «He reclaimed his spot, and if you earn your place, you will play. I believe that helped them to see that I aim to be fair, and they are part of something quite special that’s vital to us.»
Casemiro has been pivotal to United’s improvement this season. Among the 20 goals conceded by Amorim’s side in all competitions, the 33-year-old midfielder was absent for 15 of those. In two of the last three matches, against Brighton (a 4-2 victory) and Tottenham (a 2-2 draw), United maintained clean sheets until he was substituted, following which they conceded two goals. With Mainoo out of favor and Manuel Ugarte finding it difficult to adapt to the Premier League’s pace when he comes off the bench, Amorim must manage Casemiro’s minutes carefully.
«He provides a wealth of experience and serves as a model for all,» remarked the United manager following the 4-2 triumph against Brighton.
«He is immensely important for us. He covers a lot of ground, must press high, and then return; he’s executing that well. I am very satisfied with him, and the other players need to look towards Casemiro. «We realize that football can change rapidly. You need to work with focus for me if you’re the most suitable player or who I believe is suited to play. You will be in the game if you perform well. Initially, he was behind every midfielder, including Toby [Collyer]. But he battled and labored, and now he’s back in the national team.»
Casemiro’s re-entry into the Brazil national team — who are scheduled to face Senegal at the Emirates Stadium in London on Saturday — has been aided by the hiring of his former Real Madrid coach, Carlo Ancelotti, as head coach. Although the relationship between Casemiro and Amorim is reportedly professional but not overly warm, the connection between Casemiro and Ancelotti is so strong that the Italian was seen crying when he learned of Casemiro’s £60 million move to United in August 2022. They won the Champions League together three times, and when Ancelotti announced his first Brazil squad in May, Casemiro was promptly invited back, despite not having played for his country in almost 20 months.
«In my eyes, he’s an exceptional player,» Ancelotti commented at that time. «I was fortunate to work with him [at Real Madrid], and I believe the national team needs players like him who embody charisma, personality, and talent. Brazil has always been rich in talent. In modern football, it’s essential to combine attitude, commitment, and sacrifice, and Casemiro possesses those qualities.»
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It appears almost certain that Casemiro will be included in the Brazil squad for next summer’s World Cup, but his future beyond that remains uncertain.
Casemiro’s contract with United is set to expire in June. Not too long ago, it was considered a given that he would depart Old Trafford on a free, but his impressive form has left the possibility open for him to remain if he consents to a considerable wage reduction. He ranks among the top earners, and United is eager to continue reducing their payroll after the exits of other high-salaried players like David De Gea, Raphaël Varane and Marcus Rashford.
«We are not certain about what will transpire,» Amorim remarked regarding Casemiro’s contract situation. «My aspiration is to keep Casemiro in our ranks. I can’t predict what will happen. Let’s remain focused on this season. Casemiro is extremely vital to us.»
Settled in Manchester, while nothing has been dismissed, those closest to him view it as unlikely that he will remain. Should he decide to go, his immediate focus would be on exploring opportunities in Europe. After that, he would consider offers in Major League Soccer or Saudi Arabia — a return to Brazil would be his last option. His future with United might hinge on whether they opt to secure one or two new midfielders in the coming summer, and on the status of Mainoo and/or Ugarte.
No matter the outcome, Casemiro, who turns 34 in February, wishes to continue playing. «I’ve resumed playing and performing well,» Casemiro stated to ESPN. «It’s essential to persist with focus and dedication. We [United] need to maintain our momentum, uphold our focus. We are in a positive dynamic, experiencing favorable circumstances, yet the Premier League is incredibly challenging; every match is a struggle.»
In Casemiro, Amorim has discovered a resilient player to rely on. His impact has grown to where there are valid inquiries about the team’s performance in his absence.
Not long ago, it seemed Casemiro’s career at the top level was over. Now he is a crucial part of ensuring United’s survival.
