Casemiro’s tenure at Manchester United has been a tumultuous ride, but the Brazilian is currently enjoying a resurgence. The seasoned midfielder has been instrumental in United’s three consecutive victories, partnering with captain Bruno Fernandes in midfield – and his impact goes far beyond the pitch.
Despite concerns about his agility, Casemiro has reasserted himself as the reliable midfield force that United believed they were acquiring for £70million in the summer of 2022. The 33-year-old’s staggering £350,000-a-week salary has often been a point of contention, but he has managed to shift perceptions through his performances on the pitch.
This marks a significant turnaround for a player who seemed destined for the exit door last summer, with persistent rumours linking him with a move to Saudi Arabia. However, rather than seeking a lucrative deal in the Middle East, Casemiro expressed his desire to remain at Old Trafford and fight for his place in Amorim’s squad.
He has done exactly that, featuring in all but one of United’s Premier League fixtures this season while addressing one of Amorim’s biggest challenges of the 2024/25 campaign. The Portuguese manager’s preference for a 3-4-3 formation caused issues last season, leaving United’s two-man midfield frequently vulnerable.
Yet Casemiro’s upturn in form has helped ease those fears, with £50million signing Manuel Ugarte and academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo stuck on the bench.
Asked about his performances after Saturday’s 4-2 win over Brighton, Amorim said: “I think he gives a lot of experience. He’s an example for everyone.
“In the beginning, he was behind every midfielder, even Toby [Collyer], but he fought and he worked, and now he’s back in the national team. He’s so important for us.”
As you would hope from such an experienced player, who won five Champions League titles and numerous other trophies with Real Madrid, Casemiro is sharing his wisdom in the United dressing room.
There have previously been suggestions that his English is limited, but that is no longer the case.
The i says he’s called “Uncle Cas” by his team-mates, has formed a close bond with Matheus Cunha and takes it upon himself to speak to the younger players after training sessions, rather than just sticking to the Portuguese speakers in a new role as a senior leader.
The fact he is willing to contribute so positively in the final year of his contract speaks volumes.
Former United defender Rio Ferdinand has been particularly impressed, especially given Casemiro’s sidelining last season.
Speaking about Amorim’s treatment of him, the ex-United star said on Rio Ferdinand Presents: “That could have absolutely humiliated him, and it would have. Football players are intelligent in a football environment.
“They all smell where they are in the pecking order. So if Amorim’s telling you that, every player in that squad would have known Casemiro is at the back of their pack, Toby’s being called upon before him.
“Do you know how embarrassing that would have been for Casemiro? But for him to roll his sleeves up and say: ‘ain’t happening, you all know I’m better than him, you all know I’m the best holding midfielder at the club. Watch this space’.”
Casemiro’s contract runs until June 30, though United possess an option to extend it by a further 12 months.
The notion they would activate that clause seemed laughable earlier this year.
Now it appears a distinct possibility.