While plenty of big-name Manchester United players are underperforming, Casemiro’s renaissance under Ruben Amorim has come as a major surprise.
The head coach clearly felt the Brazilian was not good enough to play in his high-intensity system and he overlooked the defensive midfielder in 14 games early on during his tenure.
Injuries and the lack of options meant the Portuguese tactician was forced to reinstate the former Real Madrid superstar into the starting XI and the 33-year-old has been a revelation since then.
Amorim revealed that he figured out how best to use Casemiro and the Brazil international has not let his coach down, shielding the backline while initiating attacks with his impressive passing range.
Casemiro’s renaissance
He is in the 95th percentile for shots taken and in the 99th percentile for tackles and blocks (via fbref). He has made 20 appearances under Amorim while registering three assists.
And he has clearly overtaken Manuel Ugarte in the pecking order, judging from how the coach has utilised him in recent weeks.
The former Sao Paulo man has rolled back the years and almost single-handedly dragged his team back in the tie against Olympique Lyonnais as the 20-time English league champions recorded a memorable comeback.
He still has one year left in his current deal and while INEOS want to get rid of him due to his humongous wages, Amorim might have something else to say given the form the midfield maestro has shown.
But Fabrizio Romano has told Givemesport that the co-owners have not changed their minds and are still looking for a buyer. Should a suitable bid arrive, Casemiro will be let go.
Could still be sold
“Yes, it’s still a possibility. If a good proposal for player and club arrives, he can still leave.”
Saudi Arabian clubs have been long-term suitors but were reluctant to pay his humongous wages and United’s steep asking price, which resulted in a move not materialising in the past.
Whether INEOS shift their policy and are open to now letting him go on the cheap might dictate Casemiro’s future. The midfielder, on his part, is keen to see out his contract in Manchester.
And fans will not oppose his stance any longer having seen his recent form. While he is no longer the force he was, he can surely get the job done when called upon in the big games.
Feature image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
