Casemiro emerged from the tunnel with a broad smile, his son Caio and daughter Sara by his side as his designated mascots.

The joy was evident, and it marked a shift in his journey, especially after a difficult period in his career.

Once criticized and doubted by many, Casemiro is now proving his worth once again.

Struggling with Doubts

The Brazilian midfielder had faced heavy criticism after Manchester United’s dismal loss to Liverpool, where Erik ten Hag substituted him at half-time.

Commentators like Jamie Carragher expressed concern, urging the 32-year-old to retire before the game left him behind. Gary Neville also weighed in, acknowledging that Casemiro seemed to have lost his confidence.

It was clear that Casemiro had some serious soul-searching to do. Could he still perform at the highest level?

A Resounding Answer

After Sunday’s 3-0 victory over Leicester, Casemiro addressed the critics head-on.

He acknowledged the poor performance against Liverpool but firmly believed that one bad game didn’t define him.

“I think it’s been a good season for me. I want to keep improving, keep helping my teammates and the coach,” he said confidently.

His determination was palpable, and his commitment to Manchester United was stronger than ever.

Rediscovering His Joy for the Game

In recent weeks, Casemiro’s performances have been impressive, and it’s clear that he is enjoying his football again.

Credit goes to interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy, whose positive influence has been felt throughout the squad.

Casemiro spoke highly of the former United striker, praising his approach to the game.

“He told us to always enjoy it, to be happy, and to cherish the moment of playing for Manchester United,” Casemiro shared.

His respect for van Nistelrooy, a legend in both Manchester and Madrid, was evident, and Casemiro seemed to appreciate the renewed sense of enjoyment that came with the new leadership.

A Crucial Offseason and Strong Partnership

Casemiro’s offseason work has paid off, as he returned leaner and more focused.

His performance against Leicester, where he completed 89% of his passes and won 7 out of 11 tackles, showcased his effectiveness.

The Brazilian is finding a strong partnership with Manuel Ugarte, with the two midfielders complementing each other well.

“When one goes forward, the other covers, and vice versa,” Casemiro explained.

This dynamic has allowed him to focus on his strengths without being weighed down by defensive duties.

The Emerging Challenge

However, the emergence of Kobbie Mainoo presents a challenge for Casemiro.

Mainoo’s return from injury is likely to push Casemiro for his spot, as Ruben Amorim’s system demands high mobility and strong pressing in midfield.

Casemiro is aware of this challenge but is not backing down.

His statistics this season speak volumes: he’s in the top 3% for duel win rate and defensive actions in Europe’s top five leagues, and ranks in the top 6% for key passes.

Casemiro is making it clear that he’s not ready to give up his place without a fight.

Looking Ahead

Casemiro’s focus now is on continuing to improve, especially with the international break and the tough stretch of matches ahead.

“We have the players to do that,” he said, highlighting the growing squad strength as key players return from injury.

It’s clear that he is committed to helping United rise to the top, and he’s optimistic about what lies ahead.

Not too long ago, Casemiro’s wife Anna used social media to remind everyone of her husband’s successful career.

Today, Casemiro is letting his performances on the pitch do the talking.

With his resurgence, the once-doubted midfielder has proven that he’s far from finished—and now, the real question is whether he can maintain his spot in the starting lineup and continue to show his value to the team.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn