Jamie Carragher has acknowledged Casemiro’s improvement at Manchester United, with the Brazilian netting four goals in 15 appearances under Ruben Amorim despite being told to ‘call it a day’
Jamie Carragher has been forced to address previous criticism of Manchester United star Casemiro. The ex-Liverpool defender had taken a swipe at the Red Devils midfielder, stating that “football has left” the Brazilian.
However, the 33-year-old has turned things around at Old Trafford since Carragher’s harsh comments on Sky Sports, following United’s disappointing loss to Crystal Palace in May 2024. Under the guidance of Ruben Amorim this season, the former Real Madrid ace has made key contributions, scoring four times in 15 games.
Casemiro’s impressive form comes amid speculation about his future at the Theatre of Dreams. He is into the final six months of his contract and his future remains unclear as rumours swirl about potential midfield reinforcements, including Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson.
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Carragher was forced to give credit to the turnaround. He said: “Not quite yet (laughs). Fair play to him but Man United finished 15th last season.
“You know what, when I look at him? Fair play, he looks a different player physically. I remember that night at Crystal Palace, he looks almost a stone lighter.
“To still be playing for Man United, he was never going to move on with the contract he’s got, I think that’s the thing with the deals since they last won the league title, that deal was a ridiculous one.
“It’s not going to be renewed, that’s the first area they look at bringing reinforcements in in January or the summer.”
Casemiro has become a key figure in Amorim’s squad, a far cry from when Carragher suggested the Champions League victor should “call it a day”.
The midfielder came under fire after a lacklustre performance that saw Crystal Palace net four goals against Erik ten Hag’s team. Michael Olise bagged a brace while Jean-Phillipe Mateta and Tyrick Mitchell added to United’s woes.
The victory marked Palace’s first league double over United in 20 years, further deepening the gloom for ten Hag’s side as it confirmed their failure to qualify for European competition.
In 2024, Carragher stated: “I think Casemiro should know tonight that he should only have another three games left at the top level. The next two league games and the cup final, then he should be thinking, I need to go to the MLS or Saudi.
“This has to stop because we are watching one of the greats of the modern time. I always remember the saying ‘leave the football before the football leaves you’.
“The football has left him. At this top level, he needs to call it a day at this level and move.
“The level of that player, he should not be putting himself through this.
“He is too good of a player to be putting in a performance like that being laughed at by Crystal Palace. He needs to call it a day.”
