Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has praised Casemiro’s influence, saying the experienced midfielder is not only important on the pitch but also a much-loved figure in the dressing room.
Casemiro’s time at Manchester United has been a rollercoaster journey, but there is no doubt that the Brazilian is currently on a roll. The experienced midfielder started alongside captain Bruno Fernandes in the center of the park and has been key to United’s three successive wins, and his influence extends beyond the pitch.
Casemiro has dismissed concerns about his lack of mobility in a bid to re-establish himself as a reliable midfield figure, who United thought would sign him for £70m in the summer of 2022. The 33-year-old’s sky-high salary of £350,000 a week has often been used as a stick to bring him down, but he has managed to turn the tide with his performances.
It’s quite a turn for a player who didn’t appear to meet the requirements in the summer and was always linked with a move to Saudi Arabia. Casemiro has made it clear that he wants to stay at Old Trafford and fight for his place in Amorim’s team rather than go to the Middle East and earn more money.
He has done just that, starting all but one of United’s Premier League games this season and helping to solve Amorim’s biggest problem for the 2024/25 season. The Portuguese manager’s insistence on playing a 3-4-3 system meant United’s two midfielders were constantly exposed last season.
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But with the signing of Manuel Ugarte for £50m and academy graduate Coby Mainu kept on the bench, Casemiro’s turnaround in form has helped ease those fears. Asked about his performance after Saturday’s 4-2 win over Brighton, Amorim said: “I think he’s got a lot of experience. He’s an example for everyone. I think he’s got a lot of experience.”
“Initially he was behind all the midfielders, including Toby (Collier). But he fought, worked and now he’s back in the national team. He’s very important for us.”
As you would expect from an experienced player who won five Champions Leagues with Real Madrid and numerous other trophies, Casemiro has been sharing his wisdom in the United dressing room. It used to be said that his English might be limited, but that is no longer the case.
Nicknamed “Uncle Cas” by his team-mates, he has developed a close bond with Matheus Cunha, and instead of sticking to only those who speak Portuguese, he actively talks to young players after training sessions. The fact that he intends to actively contribute in the final year of his contract speaks volumes.
Former United defender Rio Ferdinand is impressed, especially considering Casemiro missed last season. Regarding Amorim’s treatment of him, the former United star told Rio Ferdinand Presents: “It could have been, and it will be, absolutely humiliating for him. Footballers are smart in a football environment.”
“They all have a sense of where they are in the pecking order, so if Amorim had said that, all the players in that team would have known that Casemiro was at the back of the pack and Toby was called up before him.”
“Do you know how embarrassing it was for Casemiro? But for him to roll up his sleeves and say: ‘No, you know I’m better than him, you know I’m the best holding midfielder at the club. Look at this space.’
Casemiro’s contract expires on June 30, but United have the option to extend it by 12 months. The idea that they would do so seemed ridiculous earlier this year. I wouldn’t bet on it now.
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