Casemiro silences critics as Manchester United’s revival gains momentum

November 13, 2025 Oliver Obel

It wasn’t long ago that Jamie Carragher declared Casemiro’s time at the top level was over. Yet less than a year later, the Brazilian midfielder is once again commanding Manchester United’s midfield — and his manager, Ruben Amorim, has also turned skepticism into silence.

Both men had been written off by Carragher, but their shared resurgence has lifted United’s season and reshaped the narrative around two figures who refused to be defined by others.

Written off — and written back In

Carragher’s now-infamous verdict came after United’s 4–0 defeat at Crystal Palace in May 2024. With an injury crisis forcing Casemiro into central defence, the evening quickly unraveled. On Monday Night Football, Carragher didn’t hold back, telling Sky Sports viewers:

“The football’s left him at this top level. He needs to call it a day.”

By the end of that season, Casemiro’s future at Old Trafford looked bleak. He was omitted from the FA Cup final squad against Manchester City and reportedly made available for transfer at £30 million, though no deal materialized.

At the same time, Carragher had Amorim in his sights, describing United’s new coach as a “disaster” after a 3–1 defeat to Brentford and insisting, “This has to end as quickly as possible.”

The turning point

Six months on, the story has flipped. United have won three straight league games, while Carragher’s former club, Liverpool, have stumbled through four consecutive losses. Casemiro has been central to that turnaround — scoring, assisting, and leading both for United and for Brazil, where he recently captained the national side.

The numbers underline his importance. United haven’t conceded a goal with him on the pitch since August, and his substitutions have often preceded opponents’ comebacks. In the 4–2 victory over Brighton, he scored one and set up another, leaving Old Trafford chanting his name as he left the pitch.

For Amorim, who endured heavy criticism early in his tenure, the turnaround reinforces his methods. Once derided for dropping senior players, he now points to Casemiro’s example as proof that effort earns opportunity.

“He’s so important for us,” Amorim said. “He gives a lot of experience; he’s an example for everyone.” (Source: Sky Sports)

From exile to influence

Casemiro’s comeback wasn’t instant. Early in Amorim’s reign, he started only three of fifteen matches as the manager openly questioned his physical sharpness. Speaking to TNT Sports Mexico, Amorim admitted:

“We’re in a league with a big difference in intensity… I needed players with a slightly different pace.”

But the veteran never stopped working. When injuries hit United’s midfield, Casemiro seized his chance, producing standout performances through the spring — including decisive Europa League games against Lyon and Athletic Club. His form earned him a Brazil recall from Carlo Ancelotti, his former Real Madrid coach.

By April, Amorim’s tone had shifted: “He continued to work. If players improve what we ask, they get the opportunity. The credit is all to the player.” (Source: TNT Sports Mexico)

A leader reborn

Today, Casemiro’s value extends beyond his tackles and goals. Amorim has used him as a model for professionalism, often referencing his determination in training.

“At first, he was behind every midfielder — even Toby [Collyer],” Amorim said. “He fought, he worked, and now he’s back in the national team.”

The story mirrors his first season at United. Arriving from Real Madrid in 2022, Casemiro transformed the team’s mentality, lifting the Carabao Cup and securing a top-three Premier League finish. He later told Sky Sports it was “the best season of my career.”

Even amid last season’s struggles, he refused to waver. Responding to Carragher’s critique, he said:

“I was considered one of the best signings of the Premier League last season, and now I’m not worth anything anymore? The criticism is disrespectful.” (Source: Sky Sports)

Still proving his point

In May, Casemiro reflected to ESPN that the previous campaign — one filled with setbacks and doubt — was “one of the most successful” of his career because it tested his resilience. That statement feels prophetic now. His revival stands as a lesson in persistence and professionalism, the qualities that have defined his journey.

Few would have predicted such a comeback after last spring’s scrutiny. Yet as Old Trafford echoed with his name against Brighton, it was clear: the football never left Casemiro. It merely waited for him to reclaim it.

Sources: Sky Sports, ESPN, TNT Sports Mexico, Reuters, BBC, AP