Manchester United are gearing up for a mouth-watering showdown with Manchester City in Sunday’s Premier League derby.
All eyes will be on manager Ruben Amorim, who is under mounting pressure to repay INEOS’ summer backing with a statement result.
According to the Daily Mail, Casemiro has returned to Carrington early from international duty.
He is back in training ahead of the Manchester derby after he was suspended for Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Bolivia.
The 33-year-old is likely to be handed his fourth straight Premier League start against the reigning champions.
Casemiro has put in solid individual performances.
He was impressive with his long passes from deep in the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal.
Many expected Arsenal to boss the midfield battle against Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, but the pair kept the Gunners on their toes.
It was his header that hit the bar, which led to a fortunate own goal.
In Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 set-up, United need an athletic midfielder alongside Fernandes.
The Portuguese playmaker thrives on unlocking defences, but positional discipline has never been his strong suit.
That leaves Amorim searching for a partner who can cover every blade of grass and shield the backline.
Casemiro may no longer possess the same pace and power, but his relentless work ethic still shines through.
Both Erik ten Hag and Ruud van Nistelrooy have previously hailed his professionalism and never-say-die mentality.
Though Amorim initially froze him out, the Brazilian fought his way back with sheer discipline and has reclaimed his place as a key figure.
United fans will be desperate to see Casemiro summon the warrior within and roll back the years against their noisy neighbours.