Casemiro has been enjoying his football again after a recent resurgence at Manchester United.
Although written off in the past, Casemiro has remained a key player at Manchester United, despite being 33 years old.
Being one of United’s top earners means Casemiro could part ways in the summer, but he will hope to win the Europa League before departing Old Trafford.
Casemiro has won two trophies during his 2022 transfer to United from Real Madrid, after Erik ten Hag spent the entire summer chasing Frenkie de Jong at Barcelona. The Red Devils settled for a veteran who could add invaluable experience to the squad.
In recent times, Casemiro has enjoyed a new lease of life under Ruben Amorim, looking less isolated in the centre of the pitch as he formed a partnership with Manuel Ugarte.
The United head coach deserves a degree of credit for finding an alternative way for Casemiro to have an impact on games, as we’ve seen in the run to the Europa League final against Real Sociedad, Lyon and Athletic Club.
Photo by Guillermo Martinez/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Guillermo Martinez/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Casemiro happy with Carlo Ancelotti appointment
It was announced earlier this week that Carlo Ancelotti will become Brazil manager when his time at Real Madrid comes to an end this summer.
Ancelotti becomes the first non-Brazilian manager to take charge of the national team and he will only remain in charge until the end of the 2026 World Cup in the United States.
More United News
Ancelotti’s appointment came as good news for Casemiro, with suggestions suddenly appearing that he will return to the Brazil squad after being frozen out in recent times.
United in Focus understands that Casemiro is now growing in confidence that he will be called up to the Brazil squad for this summer’s round of internationals.
Former Premier League striker Diego Costa has argued that Brazil have missed Casemiro’s leadership, which is something Ancelotti is keen to address by bringing him back into the national squad.
Casemiro won two Champions League titles and a LaLiga crown during his three seasons playing under Ancelotti in Madrid.
Speaking to ESPN, Casemiro has reacted positively to Ancelotti’s appointment, saying: “After Tite left, I think it had to be him.
“Brazil needed professionals like him, Brazil needed a big name like him, someone who commands respect.”
Casemiro continued: “This guy is exceptional. This guy is incredible, the way he talks about football, the way he understands football.
“Let’s enjoy it, because regardless of whether he wins or loses, when this guy talks about football, he has charisma, a power to make players perform at their best, to get the most out of them, to bring out their best qualities.”
Casemiro pinpoints major negative behind Ancelotti job
Ancelotti will be expected to hit the ground running in the Brazil job with the World Cup qualifying campaign.
Brazil’s qualifying campaign resumes on June 5 with an away trip to Ecuador and they will host Paraguay five days later.
Currently sitting fourth in the qualifying standings, Brazil will need to finish in the top six for an automatic spot in the 2026 World Cup.
Casemiro will be hoping to receive a call-up for those fixtures and one is expected as he finishes the season strongly with United.
While the United midfielder is happy with Ancelotti’s appointment, he has complained that the deal is too short, as it will expire after the World Cup.
He added: “I’m happy that a coach of such stature is coaching the Brazilian national team, [but] I’m a little sad that it’s only for a short time. Because, man, I say that I know him personally, I know him very well, and just one year … it’s not enough time,” Casemiro said.
“We needed more. For me, in my opinion, given the circumstances, he should have been there before.”
Antony is another United player, albeit on loan, who is looking to return to the Brazil squad.