11
Manchester United’s Casemiro could not have had two more contrastive seasons in English football if he tried.
After spending all summer chasing Frenkie de Jong in 2022, the penny finally dropped at United that he really didn’t want to leave sun-soaked Barcelona and this forced the Red Devils to spend big on the highly successful Brazilian as the transfer window entered its final weeks.
His first campaign in England went incredibly well, as he scored important goals and formed a strong partnership with fellow new recruit Christian Eriksen, regularly dominating the midfield battle as the Red Devils won the Carabao Cup and finished third in the league.
The second season was an unmitigated disaster however, as he looked sluggish and as if his legs had finally abandoned him after so many years of midfield warfare.
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp claimed after a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth in April that the former Real Madrid man looked like he was playing in a charity match. United legend Roy Keane opined that he was no longer good enough to play at the highest level.
As a result, it seemed that the Brazilian was destined to leave this summer with a move to Saudi Arabia frequently touted, but no such move has come to pass.
In fact, after the Community Shield, his manager Erik ten Hag spoke of the midfielder’s importance to the club and that he sees his future at Old Trafford.
The Athletic also highlighted the value in the Brazil international’s performance last Saturday as he rolled back the years with a strong showing.
After playing a full pre-season with United after being left out of Brazil’s Copa America squad, he has seemed much leaner and fitter in comparison to the beginning of last season.
The American outlet claimed after the game that his display demonstrated that in spite of his detractors, he “still has the fight for English football.”
The Peoples Person also highlighted the role of Casemiro as United did not shy away from the task of taking on the champions and impressed despite a penalty shootout loss.
He “offered flashes of quality” throughout as he “grew into the game, making decisive contributions” and showed leadership by converting United’s fifth penalty and consoling Jadon Sancho after his saved effort.
The Brazilian trophy magnet drew applause form his coach after crowding out the City midfield and launching a counter attack during the first half.
He also impressed in an offensive way as he sprayed the ball forward a couple of times and combined neatly with Amad Diallo who only just failed to pick out Mason Mount for what would have been a stupendous goal.
“Late on Casemiro even launched into a terrific slide tackle on Nunes on the outskirts of box, proving every once in a while his preferred mode of halting an opponent works.”
The performance on Saturday juxtaposed massively with the FA Cup final where he was left out of the first team lineup and subsequently pulled out of the squad due to injury, which raised a few eyebrows to say the least.
With just over two weeks left in the transfer window, it really does seem Casemiro will begin his third season at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils will almost certainly bring in another midfielder with Manuel Ugarte, Sander Berge and Sofyan Amrabat the most realistic options.
However, with only the inexperienced Toby Collyer as an alternative to Casemiro in the number six role, perhaps he may just have a key role to play this season.
Were he to play regularly as starter this season, he would most likely struggle but if he can be rotated and saved for big games that require more expertise, he may just carve out a successful role.
What’s more, United’s move to a more possession-based game and a stronger defence with the captures of Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Leny Yoro should also provide the 32 year old with more defensive assistance and leave the midfield less exposed.
Perhaps this will be the season where Casemiro proves that there is life in the old dog yet at the highest level.
Play for free to win the new United kit! We’re awarding a new prize every PL matchweek, courtesy of Goat Kits! To play, just (1) Join the brand new weekly PL Challenge league here with our league code puu1tk and enter this week’s competition. (2) Follow The Peoples Person on X and answer the tie breaker question. Full instructions and rules here.
You can also visit Goat Kits at goatkitstore.com and use discount code TPP30 to get 30% off your first purchase!
