Jamie Carragher has sent a clear message to Casemiro amid the Brazilian midfielder's sparkling form for Manchester United, openly admitting that his previous harsh criticism was mistaken. The Liverpool legend memorably declared in May 2024 that Casemiro's career at the top level was over, but now acknowledges the player's impressive resurgence in the Premier League.
From Criticism to Praise
Carragher's dramatic turnaround in opinion comes after Casemiro delivered another standout performance in Manchester United's 3-2 victory over Fulham on Sunday. The 33-year-old Brazilian international scored the opening goal and provided a superb assist for Matheus Cunha's second, continuing his strong run of form this season.
"I think what Casemiro has done at Manchester United, he's done the perfect type of thing you want from a signing," Carragher told Sky Sports. "His first season was fantastic, so everyone thinks he's a great player and of course he is a great player. And his last season he's going out on a high so he'll be remembered really well."
The 2024 Comments Revisited
Following Crystal Palace's 4-0 victory over Manchester United in May 2024, Carragher delivered his memorable critique of Casemiro: "I always remember the saying 'leave the football before the football leaves you'. The football has left him. At this top level, he needs to call it a day at this level of football and move."
The pundit even suggested Casemiro should consider moving to MLS or Saudi Arabia, stating: "I think Casemiro, deadly serious, should know himself tonight that he should only have another three games left at the top level."
Remarkable Turnaround
Casemiro has been a regular in Manchester United's starting lineup this season, featuring under both Ruben Amorim and current interim manager Michael Carrick. The midfield trio of Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, and Bruno Fernandes has produced three consecutive victories, showcasing the Brazilian's continued value to the team.
Carragher now acknowledges the significant improvement in Casemiro's physical condition and overall performance: "He looks a completely different player. He looks a different player physically as well. When I said that, you looked at him and he looked like an old man coming to the end of his time as a player. Whether he let himself go a bit and now he's been ultra professional, physically looks completely different."
Departure on a High
Despite his contract expiring at the end of this season and confirmation that he will leave Old Trafford in the summer, Casemiro appears determined to finish his Manchester United career strongly. Interim manager Michael Carrick praised the midfielder's attitude, saying: "The type of personality, the character that he is, I think it shows with his performance last week, where he is mentally and how much it means for him to be here and to finish this season strong."
Carragher has even accepted that Casemiro would be within his rights to respond to the criticism: "Casemiro is well within his rights, if he wants to come back at me and say: 'leave the punditry before the punditry has left you,' he could definitely get one of those in."
Proving the Doubters Wrong
The 48-year-old pundit now admits his assessment was incorrect: "It is now fair to say that the football has not left him considering what he's producing this season in the Premier League and not just Fulham at home. What he did last week against Arsenal away and Manchester City at home."
Casemiro's resurgence represents a significant personal and professional achievement, demonstrating that elite athletes can defy expectations and reclaim their best form through dedication and improved physical conditioning. His performances have not only benefited Manchester United but have also prompted a notable mea culpa from one of football's most prominent pundits.
