Manchester United talisman Casemiro has named his pick to take over the club and agreed he’s “like Sir Alex Ferguson” in at least one sense
Departing Manchester United star Casemiro has given Michael Carrick his full vote of confidence to get the manager’s job full time. And the five-time Champions League-winner has even agreed with comparisons likening him to club legend Sir Alex Ferguson.
The 34-year-old, who is expected to join Inter Miami when his contract expires this summer, has enjoyed a rebirth since Carrick arrived at the helm in January. However, there’s one thing in particular he has demonstrated in that time that Casemiro believes makes him stand out as a candidate for the permanent job.
Casemiro, who missed Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Sunderland, appeared on the Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel and described Carrick’s situation as a “big problem.” When pressed by his host on why that is, he proceeded to explain the rapid upgrades his soon-to-be former boss has implemented at Old Trafford.
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“He deserves to stay,” said the Brazilian. “The team plays very good. He will win any games. The team improves day by day. Game by game the team improves.
“So for me it’s a big problem because in my opinion he deserved this opportunity. So, especially for me, because he played in the midfield, he talked with me as a midfielder to a midfielder, it’s easier. But for me, he deserved the opportunity because the team is very comfortable. The team plays very good. We have big wins. So for me he deserved this opportunity.”
Ferdinand, 47, enquired further about what it is about Carrick and his work that makes him so easy to play for. Casemiro explained it’s because “he’s played at this level,” likening him to former Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti in that sense.
More specifically, however, Casemiro said the best thing about Carrick is his knowledge and experience of United. And he used the recent example of their meeting with Leeds last month to illustrate the manager’s intellect and knowing what’s important to the club.
“He’s very intelligent,” Casemiro continued. “But for me, the best thing he knows about the club. He understands the club. I remember we played against Leeds, and the meeting is about the history this game…But not everyone knows about Leeds.”
He went on to note how Carrick also spoke about the 1958 Munich Air Disaster in the same week. And Ferdinand likened that kind of reference to his old boss: “Like Ferguson. This is what Ferguson does.”
“It’s amazing. Yeah,” said Casemiro. “Because you see in the meeting he knows where to be. He knows, and for me [this] is very important.”
United went on to lose that fixture 2-1 at home to Leeds following two fine finishes from Noah Okafor. Casemiro himself scored United’s only consolation, while Lisandro Martinez was shown his marching orders.
Carrick would likely feel flattered being compared to his former United chief. And it’s true that historical nous and experience of playing at United is one thing that would set him apart from certain predecessor in the hot seat, like Ruben Amorim.
In that sense, the Old Trafford icon has used his time well in utilising the strengths he has at his disposal. So while he may still be somewhat inexperienced as a first-team manager, he’s clearly drawing on what advantages he does have to prove his worth.
Head to the Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel to watch part 2 of the full interview live from 8am on Wednesday 13th May
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