Rio Ferdinand has launched a stinging rebuke of fellow pundit Jamie Carragher, mocking his past assertion that Manchester United midfielder Casemiro's career at the highest level was finished.
Carragher's Brutal 2024 Assessment
The feud stems from comments made by the former Liverpool defender in May 2024. Following a heavy defeat to Crystal Palace, Carragher told Sky Sports that the Brazilian legend should consider retiring from elite football.
"I think Casemiro, deadly serious, should know himself tonight that he should only have another three games left at the top level," Carragher stated. He suggested a move to MLS or Saudi Arabia was imminent, famously declaring: "The football has left him. At this top level, he needs to call it a day."
Ferdinand's Scathing Retort
Ferdinand has now seized on those words after Casemiro's commanding performance in United's 2-0 victory over Manchester City at Old Trafford on Saturday, January 20, 2026. The 33-year-old played 81 minutes, looking assured alongside Kobbie Mainoo.
On his Rio Ferdinand Presents show, Ferdinand questioned Carragher's analysis. "Has football left Casemiro, is it gone? I dunno, is it back?" he quipped. "That statement looks worse and worse all the time, because even this season he’s done well most of the time."
Ferdinand argued that a player's dip in form is rarely just about individual ability. He pointed to factors like team structure, shape, and manager relationships that Carragher allegedly overlooked.
Casemiro's United Future
Contrary to Carragher's prediction, Casemiro went on to make 42 appearances for United last season. This term, under a succession of managers including Ruben Amorim, Darren Fletcher, and now interim boss Michael Carrick, he has featured 21 times.
His contract situation remains a topic of discussion. According to the Daily Mail, the midfielder is into the final six months of his deal, but a one-year extension will trigger automatically if he starts 35 games this season. With United out of all cup competitions, he would need to start every remaining Premier League match to reach that figure.
The Brazilian is expected to be in the starting line-up on Sunday as Manchester United travel to face league-leaders Arsenal in north London.
