Manchester Evening News: Casemiro a key member, but he'd best leave next summer

The Manchester Evening News has published a feature article analysing the performance and future prospects of Manchester United's midfield star Casemiro. The feature article follows.

Casemiro has once again become a key figure in the Manchester United dressing room, but he should depart next summer

In the world of football, the changes that can occur within a mere twelve months may prove rather intriguing—one need only ask Casemiro.

In early September 2024, during the match against Liverpool, Casemiro was substituted at half-time, replaced by Toby Colyer. It felt like the beginning of the end for the Brazilian star's fortunes. Following a disastrous performance at Selhurst Park late last season, Ten Hag had maintained his support for Casemiro, but his patience had clearly run out, leading to that half-time substitution. "It was a tactical change because we were 0-2 down," Ten Hag explained.

Collier had previously overtaken Casemiro in the pecking order, but his summer loan to West Brom saw the Brazilian stage a resurgence, re-establishing himself as a key figure.

Following the Brighton match, Amolim remarked: "I believe he brings immense experience and serves as a role model for everyone. Initially, he was behind all the midfielders, even behind Toby Collier."

"But he fought hard, worked hard, and now he's back in the national team. He's so important to us. He covers a lot of ground; today he had to battle, press, and track back. I'm very pleased with him."

"Other players need to take Casemiro as an example. Understand that football can change very quickly. You just have to work hard for the team. If I think you're the best option for the game, then you'll play."

Last week against Brighton, Casemiro was substituted in the 70th minute with United leading 3-0. After his departure, Brighton scored twice, making the finish tense.

This season, Manchester United have conceded just three goals when Casemiro has featured. Of their 16 goals conceded across all competitions, 13 have come in his absence.

Apart from missing the Brentford fixture through suspension, Casemiro has started every Premier League match. United lost that game 3-1, with Ugarte appearing out of sync in midfield.

Amorim has relied heavily on Casemiro this season. The player deserves credit for this unlikely resurgence, though his form improvement can be traced back to last season under interim manager Van Nistelrooy.

Van Nistelrooy immediately offered Casemiro support and valued his experience. He started him in all four matches of his interim tenure and made a strong case for the Brazilian's role following United's 5-2 League Cup victory over Leicester City.

Casemiro scored two superb goals in that match, prompting Van Nistelrooy to remark: "I'm delighted for Casemiro. The way he trains, the way he helps the team and the club, it's exemplary."

"If you see how he trains and prepares for matches, with his history – he's won five Champions Leagues – he's our role model. That's part of what I'm celebrating – I'm happy for him."

When everything seemed stacked against Casemiro, Van Nistelrooy offered encouragement. The Dutchman placed his trust in him and reminded him of what he was still capable of.

After Amoim took charge from Sporting CP, Casemiro had to prove himself. By the end of January, he had started just four of the 18 matches under Amoim.

Amorim had suggested Casemiro no longer possessed the "characteristics" for a regular starting spot, but everything changed in the spring. Casemiro played a pivotal role in the Europa League campaign, better suited to the competition's rhythm, delivering a masterclass in midfield during the quarter-final comeback against Lyon.

In the 114th minute against Lyon, Casemiro won a penalty, provided the assist for Mena to equalise, and then delivered a superb cross for Maguire's winning header.

Amorim leapt up in excitement on the touchline – perhaps that performance marked a turning point. Casemiro started alongside Bruno Fernandes in the Europa League final, with Ugarte taking a seat on the bench.

Casemiro has forcibly re-entered Amolim's plans. He has demonstrated the qualities that have elevated him to the ranks of the world's finest defensive midfielders throughout his nine-year Real Madrid career.

Discussions have now emerged among supporters regarding his contract renewal. Casemiro's current deal has entered its final year, with the club holding an option to extend it by twelve months.

Regardless of how outstanding Casemiro's performances may be or how vital he proves to the team, his contract should not be renewed. Manchester United must adopt a long-term perspective; extending his deal as he approaches the twilight of his career defies logic. This season ought to serve as his farewell campaign.

Indeed, the very fact that discussions about renewing Casemiro's contract have surfaced among some supporters is itself a testament to his value. However, Manchester United must allow him to depart next summer and secure a replacement.

Casemiro will turn 34 in February next year. How long he can sustain this level of performance remains debatable. Amoim undoubtedly hopes the relatively lighter fixture schedule will help him maintain his current form.

Manchester United must return to the Champions League, and finishing the season in the top four would provide the perfect farewell for Casemiro.