Casemiro has become an important member of Man Utd's dressing room again but he should leave next summer.
Casemiro should leave United next summer.(Image: 2025 Manchester United FC)
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It's funny what can happen in just 12 months in football - you only need to ask Casemiro.
Casemiro was hooked at half-time against Liverpool at the beginning of September 2024 and replaced by Toby Collyer, which felt like the beginning of the end for the Brazilian.
Erik ten Hag had stood by Casemiro after his horror show at Selhurst Park near the end of the previous season, but his patience had worn thin, resulting in the removal of the midfielder at the interval. "It was tactical because we were 2-0 down,” said Ten Hag about his substitution.
Collyer had usurped Casemiro in the pecking order, but he was loaned to West Brom in the summer, and the Brazilian has enjoyed a renaissance to become an important player again.
After Brighton, Ruben Amorim said: "I think he gives a lot of experience, he is an example for everyone. In the beginning, he was behind every midfielder, even Toby [Collyer].
"But he fought and worked and now he is back in the national team. He is so important to us. He ran a lot, today he had to fight and press, and then return. I'm really pleased with him.
"And the other guys need to look at Casemiro. To understand that football can change really fast. You just need to work for me. If I think you are the best one to play a game, then you will."
United were leading 3-0 against Brighton last weekend when Casemiro was replaced in the 70th minute. Brighton scored two goals following the substitution to set up a nervy end to the game.
United have only conceded three goals this season when Casemiro has been on the pitch. They have conceded 16 goals in all competitions and 13 have gone in when Casemiro has not been on the field.
Casemiro has become an important player again.(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
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Casemiro has started every Premier League game except against Brentford due to a suspension. United lost that match 3-1 at the Gtech Community Stadium and Manuel Ugarte looked off the pace in midfield.
Amorim has relied on Casemiro during this campaign. The player deserves credit for an unlikely resurgence, although his improvement can be traced back to Ruud van Nistelrooy's interim tenure last year.
Van Nistelrooy immediately put an arm around Casemiro and leaned on his experience. He started Casemiro in each of his four games as interim manager and launched a passionate defence of his squad role after United's dominant 5-2 win against Leicester City in the Carabao Cup.
Casemiro scored two brilliant goals in that game, and Van Nistelrooy said: "I was delighted for Casemiro. The way he's been training and helping the team, the club, it's such an example.
"If you see him train and prepare for games, with the history and all he's achieved with five Champions Leagues, he's an example for us and that was part of my celebration - I was happy for him."
Van Nistelrooy lifted Casemiro at a time when it seemed like everything was going against him. The Dutchman placed his trust in him and reminded him of what he was still capable of.
Casemiro had to prove himself to Amorim following his appointment from Sporting Lisbon. By the end of January, Casemiro had started in four of Amorim's 18 games in charge.
Amorim suggested Casemiro no longer had the "characteristics" to start regularly, but everything changed in the spring. Casemiro was instrumental in the Europa League campaign, better-suited to the pace of the competition, and he delivered a midfield clinic in the quarter-final comeback against Lyon.
Casemiro pictured during the special Lyon game last season.
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Casemiro won the penalty in the 114th minute against Lyon, he found Kobbie Mainoo for the equaliser and he assisted again with a wonderful cross into the box for Harry Maguire's winner.
Amorim lept off his feet on the touchline and perhaps that performance was the turning point. Casemiro started alongside Bruno Fernandes in the Europa League final, with Ugarte named on the bench.
Casemiro has forced his way back into Amorim's plans. He has showcased the character that propelled him to become the world's finest defensive midfielder during his nine-year stint at Real Madrid.
Now, there is a conversation among supporters about extending his contract. Casemiro has entered the final year of his deal and the club has the option of extending by 12 months.
Regardless of how well Casemiro has performed and his importance to the team, his contract should not be extended. United must take a long-term view and it's not logical to extend Casemiro's contract when he's in the winter of his career. This season should be his swansong.
The fact that there is even a conversation among some fans about extending Casemiro's deal is a credit to him, but United must allow him to leave in the summer and sign a replacement.
Casemiro will be 34 in February. How long he can keep up this level of performance is up for debate. Amorim will hope the kinder schedule will help him maintain his current performances.
United must return to the Champions League and securing a top-four finish will be a fitting way for Casemiro to bow out.