Casemiro aired his honest thoughts on Man Utd team-mate Joshua Zirkzee after he scored a rare goal against Real Sociedad.
14:26, Fri, Mar 7, 2025 | UPDATED: 14:26, Fri, Mar 7, 2025
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SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN - MARCH 06: Casemiro of Manchester United acknowledge the fans after the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Round of 16 First Leg match between Real Sociedad de Futbol and Manchester United at Reale Arena on March 06, 2025 in San Sebastian, Spain. (Photo by Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images) (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has come out in support of teammate Joshua Zirkzee, backing the young forward to shine despite a challenging debut season at Old Trafford. Zirkzee found the net in United's 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad in the Europa League last 16, an encouraging sign after he missed a critical penalty in the FA Cup shootout loss to Fulham just days prior.
The striker has struggled for goals, with his latest being only the second in his last 17 appearances for the club, yet Casemiro sees value beyond the scoresheet.
"I'm very happy for him, and I hope he continues to score goals, which is important to us," proclaimed Casemiro.
"He's a very good player. He's not a number nine who stays in the middle. He's a nine who goes out more to the wings, which is why he plays as a bit of a No.10, which is what this coach likes.
"He's very good, he's got a lot of quality, he likes to control the ball, to spin. He's a player who has more quality. It's a waste to have him standing up front alone.
"He's not a player who always wants to be up there, leading the attack and scoring goals that way. He's more of a player who wants to play and create."
Joshua Zirkzee is improving at Man Utd.
Joshua Zirkzee is improving at Man Utd. (Image: Getty)
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Speaking about his own role at the club, Casemiro reflected on his professionalism and commitment. "Of course, I want to play, but I always say, and these are my values, that I respect the coach a lot, I respect the club.
"Every day I go to Carrington or Old Trafford, I try to do my best. If a player is on the bench and is happy, that player is not worth anything for any team.
"Of course, I want to play, I want to have more minutes, but the coach is the one who makes the decisions, and I have a lot of respect for him and for the club.
"It's too soon to talk about next season, but of course, I have another year of contract and then an option. We have important games, and on Sunday, we have Arsenal."
Looking ahead, he mentioned contractual details and upcoming fixtures, highlighting the immediate focus on significant matches.
The 33-year-old added: "I'm here, I'm available, with total happiness, and I'm ready for the coach and the club. As everyone knows, I'm a big character for the club."
This article was first published on Mirror Sport