Casemiro's had his say on the season under Ruben Amorim, with Man United just above the relegation zone in the Premier League but still in with a chance of qualifying for the Champions League
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Casemiro of Manchester United applauds the fans after the team's defeat in the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United at Selhurst Park on May 06, 2024 in London, England.
Casemiro has opened up about Manchester United's dreadful season
(Image: 2024 Getty Images)
Casemiro has admitted that Manchester United have "not been good", before saying there are “no excuses” for their woeful season.
The 2024/25 campaign has undoubtedly been United’s worst ever season in the Premier League era. Despite ending last term on the unexpected high of beating rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final, the new season quickly unravelled under former boss Erik ten Hag, who was sacked in late October following a dismal run.
Under successor Ruben Amorim, the Red Devils have looked even worse as the players struggle to carry out the formerly successful Sporting CP head coach’s tactical instructions. That has put them all the way down in 16th place in the league on just 39 points, with one game to go following Friday’s 1-0 defeat to Chelsea, meaning they are set for their worst ever Premier League finish.
Amorim’s men didn’t fare much better in domestic cup competitions, being knocked out of the FA Cup fifth round by Fulham on penalties and the Carabao Cup quarter-finals by Tottenham. Yet, their nightmare campaign can still be salvaged, to an extent, with the Europa League final against Spurs on Wednesday, May 21.
Having beaten Athletic Bilbao 7-1 on aggregate in the semi-finals, United have the chance to end the season with European silverware and secure a Champions League place next season against Spurs, whose own dire performances sees them down in 17th in the league.
Now, United’s 33-year-old midfielder Casemiro has spoken about wanting to “give everything” to win the final, though he didn’t hide his embarrassment towards the rest of the season. Speaking to Telemundo Deportes before the defeat to Chelsea, the Brazilian said: “I always say that the final part is always the most beautiful and the most important.
“We know that in the Premier League, it didn't go as we had hoped. Well, we have a great opportunity against Tottenham to bring happiness and joy not only to ourselves but also to the club and the fans. That is very important.
Casemiro
Casemiro played in United's 1-0 defeat at Chelsea on Friday night
“But we know that the season, regarding matches, was not good, especially for a club like Manchester United. Here, we always expect titles and to be at the top of the table. But we have a very good opportunity and a very nice challenge to win a title and have a bit of happiness at the end of the season.”
When quizzed on why he thinks things went so badly this season, the five-time Champions League winner said: “We've had many ups and downs. We changed managers and then systems. It's true that in the last five or six matches we were completely focused on the Europa League.
“But of course, when it comes to Manchester United, you need to win and be at the top of the table. There are no excuses. So next season, we need to be stronger; above all, we need to win more matches and earn more points. When it comes to Manchester United, we always have to think about titles and winning.”
And when asked the golden question on whether winning the Europa League can save their season, Casemiro said: “Well, it's difficult to talk about whether it saves it or not. In the end, what does saving mean? What does winning mean? Everyone sees it differently.
“In my opinion, it's certainly a joy because winning means we play in the Champions League next year. It won't be easy to win, but it will be a very nice opportunity.
Matthijs De Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, Rasmus Hojlund, Diogo Dalot, André Onana, Carlos Casemiro, Ayden Heaven, Alejandro Garnacho, Patrick Dorgu, Joshua Zirkzee and Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United pose for a team photo prior to the UEFA Europa League
The Europa League has been the only shining light for Ruben Amorim's men
“It's true that in terms of numbers and results, this season wasn't good. But we have a very nice opportunity to play in the Champions League next year and have another chance at European competition.
“It's very difficult to say if it saves the season or if the season was good or not; every person has a different opinion. For me, it wasn't good, and we need to be higher up in the table. We need to think bigger when it comes to Manchester United.”
He added: “I think it will be a very beautiful final. We have great respect for Tottenham. We know they are playing for something similar to us and we want to give everything to win that match.”
Casemiro arrived in Manchester on a £60million fee in August 2022, going on to have a stellar first season. However, he looked a shadow of himself the following season and appeared to be struggling with the pace of the Premier League.
This season has been a mixed one for the defensive midfielder, who has been used sparingly by Amorim at points, with 23 appearances in the league. Casemiro remains a crucial player in Europe, however, playing the majority of the minutes across United’s six knockout ties, assisting three goals against Lyon and scoring twice against Athletic Club.