Manchester United have shown signs of progress under the new manager, Michael Carrick, and Casemiro has played his part in it.
Casemiro has shown an upturn in form in the last 12 months. The Brazilian international was criticised early in the season for his subdued performances, but he has done quite well in recent weeks.
The veteran midfielder was outstanding against Fulham in the 3-2 win last time out, and former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has heaped praise on the Brazilian. The former Premier League star explained that the ex-Real Madrid star has looked like a completely different player in recent weeks, and football has clearly not left him.
There is no doubt that the South American is one of the best defensive midfielders of his generation. Casemiro was exceptional during his time at Real Madrid, and he won several major trophies. He has shown his quality in the Premier League as well, even though he has not been as consistent as he was in Spain.
“It is now fair to say the football has not left him,” Carragher said on Super Sunday Extra Time.
“Considering what he’s producing this season in the Premier League, and not just Fulham at home, you think what he did last week against Arsenal away and Manchester City at home. Casemiro is well within his rights to, if he wants to come back at me and say, ‘leave the punditry before the punditry’s left you!’ He could definitely get one of those back in. Credit to him, he looks a completely different player.
“He looks like a different player physically as well. Even 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. And whether he let himself go a little bit, or now he’s being ultra professional, physically, he looks completely different.”
Casemiro set for exit
Manchester United have recently confirmed that the Brazilian midfielder will leave the club at the end of the season. Given the way the 33-year-old has performed in recent weeks, it seems that he has regained his motivation and sharpness.
The Red Devils will certainly be left wondering whether it is the right thing for them to let the player move on. He has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia and MLS. It remains to be seen where he will end up.