Jamie Carragher was also one of Casemiro’s critics during the midfielder’s struggles at Manchester United, but the veteran enjoyed an excellent final season at Old Trafford.
Jamie Carragher urged Casemiro to call it a day at Manchester United two years ago (Image: Sky Sports)
Jamie Carragher has admitted his scathing verdict against Casemiro two years ago was harsh and premature, after the departed Manchester United midfielder described Casemiro’s comments as “disrespectful” in a recent interview.
The Sky Sports pundit and Liverpool legend declared Casemiro finished in elite football after watching him struggle against Crystal Palace in May 2024. “Quit football before it gives up on you,” Carragher’s infamous words urging Casemiro to end his days at the top level quickly went viral on social media.
Two years on, Casemiro is preparing to leave Manchester United. However, he made a remarkable comeback under Michael Carrick, scoring nine goals in the Premier League and successfully helping the club return to the Champions League.
Asked about Mr Carragher’s recent comments, Mr Casemiro said he felt disrespected. And while Carragher accepts that criticism from the legendary Brazilian midfielder, he still doubts whether United would sign the 34-year-old if they had another chance.
read more: Manchester United star Casemiro slams Jamie Carragher for ‘disrespectful’ comments during explosive argumentread more: Manchester United and Marcus Rashford ‘ready to negotiate’ soon after Barcelona’s new offer emerges
“Looking back, do I regret my comments about such a legendary footballer? Yes and no,” Carragher told the Telegraph.
“I must admit that the implication that Casemiro is ‘done’ at the highest level is too harsh and premature. My argument was that he would be better off going to MLS or accepting an offer from Saudi Arabia, because he would never be able to return close to his best to achieve the same heights that he achieved so brilliantly at Real Madrid, winning the Champions League and league titles at Old Trafford.”
“At the time, these observations were uncontroversial.
“Casemiro is unfit in 2024, lacking the physicality and athleticism to deal with faster and sharper opponents, and this was exposed when he was used in a deeper role, such as midfield or centre-back, as he did that night at Selhurst Park.”
Carragher explained that the criticism of Casemiro was not personal, before comparing the iconic midfield maestro to a boxer who is still fighting despite not being in his prime.
Casemiro has been a key player for Manchester United this season (Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside, Offside via Getty Images)
He insists that despite Casemiro’s improved form this season, Manchester United fans have never seen the same version of the player who helped Real Madrid achieve domestic and European dominance during his spell at the Bernabéu.
Mr Carragher continued: “This week Casemiro suggested that what I said was ‘disrespectful’, which is fair enough. Whatever he says in response comes with that territory, but I would counter and say there was no disrespect intended. Quite the contrary.
“Due to his illustrious career, it was natural to compare Casemiro to the very high standards he has set for himself.
“Casemiro was no ordinary midfielder who was struggling in the Premier League. At the Bernabéu he was one of the best holding midfielders of his time and one of the best midfielders of his generation alongside Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. It was a trio that rivaled even the great Barcelona midfielders of Xavi Hernández, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets.”
“He will end his time at United in a different role than the one for which he made his name: as a goal-scoring midfielder who is particularly effective from set pieces.”
Carragher said Casemiro finished at the top level two years ago (Image: Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Despite his position, Carragher concluded by praising Casemiro for finishing his Premier League career on a positive note before preparing to embark on a new challenge – even though he believes his time at the club would make United approach a similar transfer differently.
“He should be praised for changing the perception of his United career as he prepares to say goodbye,” Carragher added. “Carrick also deserves credit for finding a role that better suits him and the team at this stage of his career in a way that Ten Hag and Ruben Amorim were not able to do.
“Casemiro is and will always be a Champions League and La Liga legend. He deserves all the praise he will receive for his incredible career as he leaves Old Trafford.”
“But once the dust settles, no amount of history rewriting will change this fact. The next time a player of Casemiro’s age and status is available for the same salary and transfer fee, United will learn from experience and say, ‘Thank you, but no thanks.’
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+ and Ultimate TV packages
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundles to include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, plus 135 channels and complete coverage of the Premier League and EFL from Sky.
Sky has over 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more, with at least 215 of those live from the top flight, along with F1, darts and golf.
