Casemiro Bids Farewell to Manchester United as Old Trafford Career Concludes

Brazilian midfielder Casemiro is preparing for his final appearance at Old Trafford for Manchester United, as the club faces Nottingham Forest this Sunday. The match marks the end of a significant chapter for the 34-year-old, who has navigated a remarkable turnaround in his United career, solidifying his status as a fan favourite despite initial struggles.

The emotional farewell comes after a season where Casemiro's influence has surged, leading to chants of "one more year, one more year, Casemiro" from the Old Trafford faithful. This resurgence has seen him not only reclaim a pivotal role in the squad but also earn a recall to the Brazil national team, with expectations of captaining his country at this summer's tournament under Carlo Ancelotti.

The Turnaround

Casemiro's journey at Manchester United has been one of stark contrasts. His arrival in 2022 from Real Madrid, in a deal worth up to £70 million, was met with high expectations, given his status as a five-time Champions League winner. However, a challenging period in late 2024 and early 2025 saw his form dip significantly, leading to public criticism and questions about his physical capabilities in the demanding Premier League. Notably, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher famously commented on Casemiro needing to "leave the football before the football leaves you" after a heavy defeat to Crystal Palace in May 2024.

This period culminated in a particularly poor performance against Newcastle on December 30, 2024, where he was substituted after 64 minutes, sidelining him for nearly seven weeks from a starting position. Manager Ruben Amorim even noted at the time that "Even Toby [Collyer] was sometimes playing in front of him," highlighting the extent of his struggles.

Resurgence Under New Management

Casemiro's resurgence began in March 2025, following a period of intense effort to regain his form. He started the first leg of the Europa League last-16 tie against Real Sociedad on March 6, signaling a turning point. From that point onwards, he became a regular starter in every major game Manchester United played. This renewed form coincided with Michael Carrick taking over as temporary manager, following Amorim's departure. Carrick's tenure has seen Casemiro become an indispensable part of the team, with his absence due to injury in February widely considered the hardest to cover during their successful quest for Champions League qualification.

Key facts

Mentality and Leadership

In a recent interview, Casemiro emphasized the importance of mentality in football. "For me, [with] the best players in the world, it's about the mentality. I might not play good – I'm not a robot and I know. But the next [game], I give everything on the pitch. The mentality is next, next, next," he explained. This mindset has been crucial to his turnaround and his continued influence, which extends beyond his on-field performance.

His mentorship of young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has been particularly notable. Despite Casemiro's own struggles, Mainoo, who arrived at United aged 17, has benefited immensely from playing alongside the Brazilian. The pair have formed a strong partnership, featuring together in 13 of Carrick's 15 matches in charge. Casemiro spoke highly of Mainoo, calling him "a complete player, the present and the future of Manchester," while also highlighting areas for the young talent to improve, such as increased ball possession and decision-making.

A Lasting Legacy

Casemiro's departure, announced on January 22, has allowed for a clear and dignified exit, benefiting both the player and the club. His legacy at Old Trafford will be characterized by his dedication, his ability to overcome adversity, and his leadership, particularly in nurturing emerging talents like Mainoo. As he prepares for his final Old Trafford game, the "one more year" chants will undoubtedly resonate, a testament to the deep connection he has forged with the Manchester United supporters.

While a move to Major League Soccer is anticipated after the World Cup, his immediate focus remains on Nottingham Forest and his emotional farewell. "It's incredible, just incredible," Casemiro shared, reflecting on the fans' unwavering support. "The most important thing about this club are the fans. Many times, we lose a game but in the next game they support us more. For me, that's incredible. I've never experienced that in my career."

Fuente: BBC Sport Football RSS (https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cy42r3vjjejo?atmedium=RSS&atcampaign=rss)