Evergreen midfielder Casemiro has scored nine goals this season for Manchester United, silencing high-profile doubters as he prepares to leave Old Trafford on a high note. The 34-year-old Brazilian will depart at the end of the current campaign after a remarkable resurgence that has seen him become a key player once again.
From Criticism to Comeback
Two years ago, Jamie Carragher advised Casemiro to "leave the football before the football leaves you." Fast forward to this season, and the Brazilian's record for Manchester United reads: nine goals (second only to Benjamin Sesko), two assists, and 2,417 minutes played in 31 starts from 32 appearances, with 13 games finished, including seven of the past nine. The January announcement of his departure has led to supporters pleading with him to stay, and he is again a midfield first-choice for Brazil in the buildup to a World Cup.
Carragher's comments, delivered on Monday Night Football after United's 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace in May 2024, came when Casemiro appeared to be heading for an exit amid a downturn in performances. Carragher also said: "Casemiro should know tonight that he should only have another three games left at the top level."
Resurgence Under Amorim and Carrick
United, then under Erik ten Hag, were open to selling the player who was two seasons into a four-year contract earning close to £365,000-a-week. Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe had cited Casemiro as an example of questionable recruitment. A nadir came in January 2025 when Casemiro remained an unused substitute for five league matches, with Toby Collyer preferred by Ruben Amorim.
However, a reprieve came when Amorim prioritized the Europa League. Casemiro started league matches at Tottenham and Everton, impressed, and then started both legs of the Europa League last-16 win over Real Sociedad, the quarter-final victory against Lyon, the semi-final defeat of Athletic Bilbao, and the final loss to Tottenham.
"I'm learning how to use players like Casemiro," Amorim said. "In the beginning he was behind every midfielder, even Toby, but he fought and he worked, and now he is back in the national team." Amorim admitted he got it wrong about a five-times Champions League winner, and Carragher performed a U-turn in February, saying: "It is now fair to say the football has not left him."
Reasons for Upturn
Improved fitness and a more sympathetic manager in Michael Carrick, who played the same role for United into his late 30s, have been key. Carrick said: "With a lot of experience you are trusting them to know themselves... It takes a lot of sacrifice and a lot of work to play for a long time."
After United's 2-1 win against Brentford, Carrick confirmed Casemiro will not change his mind about leaving. By departing at 35, Casemiro ensures he leaves football before it leaves him at elite level, with a move to Major League Soccer or Saudi Arabia expected.
