Ruben Amorim communicates with Manchester United's minority owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, after every game on WhatsApp and recently addressed Casemiro's performance
Comments
Sport
11:39, 21 May 2025
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 28: Manchester United Manager Ruben Amorim talks to Casemiro of Manchester United on the side line 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 in Manchester, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 28: Manchester United Manager Ruben Amorim talks to Casemiro of Manchester United on the side line 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 in Manchester, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Ruben Amorim singled out Casemiro's stellar performance in the Europa League for Manchester United in a WhatsApp message to Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The midfielder, 33, has been instrumental in United's journey to the final this season.
Despite the Red Devils enduring their worst league campaign this century, they have the chance to win European silverware and secure a spot in next season's Champions League when they face Tottenham on Wednesday evening.
After missing the initial group stage match against Twente FC in September, Casemiro has played all but 21 minutes of United's Europa League knockout stage fixtures.
His three assists were key in defeating Lyon in the second leg of the quarter-final, and he netted a goal in both legs of the semi-final against Athletic Bilbao.
In the first leg of the Bilbao tie, the Brazilian, who joined United in a £60million deal in August 2022, covered more ground than any other player (10.5km). That fact was relayed by Amorim to the club's minority owner, Ratcliffe, after the game.
As reported by The Times, Amorim and Ratcliffe have weekly phone conversations and occasionally communicate in a WhatsApp group that includes other senior club figures.
It's understood that the Portuguese head coach shares his post-match thoughts in a mini-report, with additional data also fed into the group chat.
Amorim's views on Casemiro highlight the player's significant improvement this season, despite initially being used sparingly by the manager.
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(Image: Oli Scarff/AFP via Getty Images.)
The five-time Champions League winner faced widespread criticism last season from supporters and pundits for appearing past his prime and seemingly lacking the stamina to play in central midfield in the Premier League. However, those concerns have eased in recent months.
Casemiro's upturn in form also reflects Amorim's man-management skills, which have been recognised and appreciated by those above him.
Despite sidelining the veteran holding midfielder for nearly two months, the two Portuguese speakers now enjoy a close relationship. That was evident when the former Real Madrid star embraced his manager after being substituted with nine minutes left in the second leg against Bilbao.
The same report suggests that Ratcliffe and Ineos "truly believe" Amorim can restore United's success with a full pre-season and a squad overhaul. As a result, Amorim could be given over £100m to spend this summer, even if Spurs triumph in the final in Bilbao.
Casemiro is expected to stay at Old Trafford beyond this season, with just a year left on his contract. His performances have sparked speculation about whether he will be offered a new deal.
Meanwhile, the MEN reports that a return to Champions League football would boost Casemiro's wages back up to £300,000 per week.
Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.