Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has claimed the 2024/25 campaign was a personal success for him, even though the club as a whole went through a particularly challenging season.
United finished a lowly 15th place in the Premier League table, having suffered 18 defeats. The Red Devils amassed just 42 points.
Despite their struggles on the domestic front, United still battled their way to the Europa League final. Lifting the trophy would have not only capped a miserable season with silverware but also secured a backdoor entry into next term’s Champions League.
However, United fell to a 1-0 loss at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur.
United sacked Erik ten Hag in October and appointed Ruben Amorim in his place. However, Amorim failed to deliver the desired impact. In fact, it can be argued that things got much worse.
Early in Amorim’s reign, Casemiro found himself out of favour and short on game time, sparking speculation that his days at United were numbered. Rumours swirled about a potential January move to the Saudi Pro League, but the midfielder ultimately stayed put at Old Trafford.
Casemiro gradually forced his way back into Amorim’s plans and, before long, became nearly undroppable. He played a pivotal role in United’s run to the Europa League final.
Speaking on international duty with Brazil [as quoted by Manchester Evening News], Casemiro shared details of his conversations with Amorim. The five-time Champions League winner also revealed how he worked his way back into selection at United.
Casemiro said, “This year has been one of the most important years of my career, if not the most. Even because of the coach’s choice [Ruben Amorim]. I was left out [of the options], but I never stopped working.”
“That’s my great success. Everyone wants to talk about titles, victories and big games, but when you don’t play and you manage to change the mind of a coach who arrives and doesn’t play you. You end up coming back, and now you’re being praised by the coach who at first practically didn’t count on you… it was one of my most successful years.”
“These are things that end up happening internally. I’m one of those people who, when things happen internally, I don’t like to say too much.”
On his talks with Amorim, Casemiro explained, “I don’t think there’s been such a big relapse in my individual aspect, but when the club isn’t playing well, changes are needed. I spoke to him [Amorim] and he told me that it was more a question of choosing to play, that I should wait for the opportunity. Of course, he was open with me.”
“He said it was his choice, nothing against me. I had no choice but to carry on working and wait for the opportunity. When I played, I lived up to what he asked.”
Casemiro made 42 appearances for United across all competitions, contributing five goals and three assists.
Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
