Manchester United could still end the season with a trophy when they face Tottenham in the Europa League final, though Casemiro didn't hold back in his assessment of the otherwise dire campaign
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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 offered an honest reflection of Manchester United’s historically worst season by admitting “we need to think bigger”. The 2024/25 season has undoubtedly been the Red Devils’ worst ever season in the Premier League era, with a number of unwanted records set.
Despite a shock FA Cup final victory over Manchester City to end last term, the new campaign quickly descended into chaos under former boss Erik ten Hag, who was sacked in October following a disastrous run of results.
The appointment of Ruben Amorim as his successor has failed to improve the team's fortunes, with the players struggling to adapt to the Portuguese coach's tactics. That puts 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 comfortably their worst Premier League finish ever.
United's domestic cup campaigns have also ended in disappointment, with defeats to Fulham in the FA Cup and Tottenham in the Carabao Cup. Yet, the Red Devils still have a chance to salvage some pride and secure a Champions League spot for next season by winning the Europa League final against Tottenham on May 21.
United demolished Athletic Bilbao 7-1 on aggregate in the semi-finals, and a victory over Spurs would provide a rare positive in an otherwise dismal season. Now, United’s 33-year-old midfielder Casemiro has spoken about wanting to “give everything” to win the final.
He also provided a damning verdict on the rest of the season, noting how a club of United’s stature must do better in the league and in cup competitions. 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.
“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.”
Pedro Neto of Chelsea is challenged by Casemiro of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Manchester United FC at Stamford Bridge on May 16, 2025 in London, England.
Casemiro played in United's 1-0 defeat at Chelsea on Friday night
Asked why United’s season has been so poor, 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 whether winning the Europa League will rescue their season, Casemiro replied: "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.
“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.
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 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 went on to add: “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.”
The Brazil international, who joined United for £60million in August 2022, made a huge impact in his debut season but found his second campaign more challenging as he appeared to struggle with the pace of the Premier League.
This season has been a mixed bag for the defensive midfielder, who has been used sparingly in the league by Amorim with 23 appearances. However, Casemiro continues to be a key player in Europe, playing most of the minutes across United's six knockout matches, setting up three goals against Lyon and netting twice against Athletic Club.
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