Ruben Amorim reportedly updates Manchester United's minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe on his thoughts after each game via WhatsApp, with Casemiro recently being the subject of discussion
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Ruben Amorim, head coach of Manchester United, issues instructions to Casemiro of Manchester United during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Manchester United and FK Bodo/Glimt at Old Trafford on November 28, 2024
Ruben Amorim told Manchester United bosses what he thinks of Casemiro
(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images.)
Casemiro’s fantastic Europa League performance for Manchester United was singled out by Ruben Amorim in a WhatsApp message to Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
The veteran midfielder, 33, has played a starring role in United’s run all the way to the Europa League final this season.
Despite an otherwise torrid campaign for the Red Devils, they have the opportunity to win European silverware and qualify for next season’s Champions League when they take on Tottenham on Wednesday night.
Casemiro, after missing the opening group stage clash with Twente FC back in September, has gone on to play all but 21 minutes of United’s Europa League knockout games.
His three assists were crucial to beating Lyon in the second leg of the quarters, while he scored a goal in both legs of the semi-finals against Athletic Bilbao.
The first leg of the Bilbao tie also saw the Brazilian, who joined United in a £60million deal in August 2022, run more than any other player (10.5km). That was something Amorim relayed to the club’s minority owner, Ratcliffe, after the match.
According to The Times, Amorim and Ratcliffe speak every week by phone and occasionally communicate in a WhatsApp group that includes other senior club figures.
The Portuguese head coach is understood to share his thoughts after each game in a mini-match report, while data is fed into the group chat too.
And his thoughts on Casemiro go some way to showing the player's considerable improvement over the course of this season, having initially been used sparingly by Amorim.
The five-time Champions League winner faced strong criticism last season from fans and pundits for looking past his best and seemingly lacking the legs to play in central midfield in the English top flight. But those concerns have simmered in recent months.
Casemiro’s improvement in form is also an indication of Amorim’s man-management skills, which have been noticed and admired by those above him.
Casemiro celebrates after scoring Manchester United's second goal during the UEFA Europa League semi final second leg football match between Manchester United and Athletic Club Bilbao at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, north west England, on May 8, 2025.
Casemiro has been in brilliant form in the Europa League
Despite dropping Casemiro for the best part of two months, the two Portuguese speakers are on close terms now.
That was clear to see when the former Real Madrid star embraced his manager after being substituted with nine minutes left of the second leg against Bilbao.
The same report claims that Ratcliffe and Ineos “truly believe” he can make United successful again with a full pre-season under their belts and a squad revamp.
For that reason, Amorim may be given more than £100m to spend this summer, even if Spurs win the final in Bilbao.
Casemiro is expected to remain at Old Trafford beyond this season with just a year left on his contract.
His form has led to some speculation over where he will be offered a new deal. And the MEN understands a return to Champions League football would increase Casemiro's salary back up to £300,000-a-week.