Former Manchester United and England star Rio Ferdinand has praised Casemiro and once again trolled Jamie Carragher’s assessment of the Brazilian’s abilities
Rio Ferdinand once again criticized Jamie Carragher’s criticism of Casemiro after praising Manchester United’s performances this season. Former England international Ferdinand and Carragher got into a spat last year over differences of opinion on the Champions League veteran.
Mr Carragher previously scolded Ferdinand, telling him to “leave football before I leave football”, referring to former Real Madrid star Casemiro. The Liverpool icon also called the former defender a “clown” after he came under fire for his comments about the African Cup of Nations.
And now, while Ferdinand has been praising Casemiro somewhat generously, he can’t help but bring up Carragher’s original comment that he believes he has been proven wrong. The midfielder became a regular under Ruben Amorim this season.
The 33-year-old started seven Premier League games, partnering Bruno Fernandes in midfield. Ferdinand believes he is showing the qualities that led him to sign for United in the first place.
“He built his brilliant career, winning the Champions League five times, as the glue that connects the backline and the midfield and fills the gaps,” Ferdinand said on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast.
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“He wasn’t asked to run around and be a creator. He was someone who swept, did all the dirty work, kept the area tidy. And this is what we’ve seen lately, and we’ve seen things like the Caselmiro of old.”
“I remember Jamie Carragher saying he was going to walk away from the game,” Ferdinand added. “At the time I said those words because I thought it was very disrespectful to talk about a player who had won five Champions Leagues and was trying to change his approach to football at a time when his form was looking strange.”
“Players lose confidence, players lose their form. But I think this decision was premature and very disrespectful to the players who have achieved so much in the game.”
Ferdinand believes Casemiro has benefited from Amorim’s system adjustments and is playing a key role in United’s run of form.
“And I think you can see the benefit of a player like Casemiro when you see how the system is fine-tuned in its approach,” he said. “I’m not going to make too much of a fuss about it because it’s not 20 games in a row, but the games we’ve seen him improve (he’s had an impact).
“You don’t win five Champions Leagues without resilience, character and work ethic. He is now a reference point for players who are going through hardships at this football club.”
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