Manchester United's failure to sign a central midfielder during the summer transfer window is a major talking point, and it could cost them when it comes to their ambitions of returning to Europe for the 2026-27 campaign.
However, Casemiro has started the season impressively for the Red Devils, and he was in excellent form for Brazil on Thursday, as Carlo Ancelotti's side recorded a 3-0 win over Chile in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.
Estevao Willian, Lucas Paqueta and Bruno Guimaraes scored the goals, but it was Casemiro's performance in the middle that caught the eye, and he is in a strong position when it comes to going to the World Cup next summer, with Ancelotti a huge fan of his former midfield general at Real Madrid.
According to Sofascore, Casemiro had 77 touches during his 66 minutes on the field against Chile, while he completed 58 of his 69 passes, one of which was a key pass.
Five of Casemiro's seven long balls were accurate, while he blocked two shots, won three of his four aerial duels and had one shot despite operating in a defensive midfield spot.
Casemiro also made one clearance and one interception, while he was not dribbled past on a single occasion, with Chile's midfielders struggling to get the better of the 33-year-old.
Manchester United midfielder Casemiro on August 30, 2025Casemiro impressed in Brazil's three-goal success over Chile
Much has been made of Casemiro's future at Man United, and it is understood that his desire to feature at the World Cup played a role in him rejecting the chance to leave over the summer.
He is currently first choice in Ruben Amorim's midfield at Old Trafford, meanwhile, starting all three of Man United's Premier League matches this season against Arsenal, Fulham and Burnley.
Casemiro will also be in the XI against Manchester City next weekend providing that he is fit, and it would be fair to say that he looks leaner this season after putting in the work over the summer.
The midfielder has already excelled in a match against a major English team this season, as he was one of the best players on the field during the clash with Arsenal on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season.
During his 65 minutes on the field, he was accurate with six of his seven long balls, won five of his six ground duels, while he made three tackles and had 41 touches.
Casemiro is not the future of the Man United midfield, but he was written off not too long ago, so his form in the early stages of this season is incredibly encouraging.
It is easy to forget how much Casemiro has achieved in the game, and he could now be about to help Man United return to Europe before being a key player for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup.
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