Manchester United won their first Premier League game of the season on Saturday, and apart from the disastrous EFL Cup result, the team has looked promising in patches in the league.
Casemiro has started all three games and has played his part well in midfield, alongside skipper Bruno Fernandes.
The Brazilian seems to be first-choice at the moment, with Manuel Ugarte struggling to make an impact while Kobbie Mainoo is not seen as a defensive midfielder, and more as a No.8.
From close to being sold last season to a guaranteed starter, the five-time Champions League winner sure has come a long way. No wonder he was impressed with his turnaround last term.
Casemiro lays down his season aims
Despite the career renaissance, and Ruben Amorim’s praise, the ex-Real Madrid superstar had been linked with an exit this summer as well, but he opted to turn down lucrative moves to the Saudi Pro League.
In an interview with the official club website, the 33-year-old explained how he is fully focussed on staying at Old Trafford and impressing for the Red Devils as he is keen to make the Brazil national team for the 2026 World Cup.
“To have a great year,” Casemiro revealed when asked his aims for the new season. “To have a great year at the top level, because at the end of the season we have the World Cup.
“So, I want to arrive at the World Cup in good form. I want to enjoy the year, to arrive in top form, and it is the title that I am missing.
“So, I want to win titles, titles here. We have new signings of top quality that will help us a lot.”
Despite a difficult last season, Casemiro explained that the love from the fans has kept him going and he feels at home now in Manchester.
On the fans
“It’s a pleasure. It’s a pleasure to leave a mark on this huge club. I want to thank not only the club, but also the fans. They have been amazing.
“Both myself and my family, we are all very happy here. I have played five finals here, winning two of them, so overall good but you can always improve. You can always do better.
“I am enjoying it a lot and the truth is I’m very happy, and I feel like I’m at home.”
His current deal expires in 2026 with the club holding the option of extending it by a year. Irrespective of what happens with regards to his contract, Amorim will need his midfield dynamo in top form if the club is to qualify for Europe next season.
Feature image Jan Kruger 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
