Ruben Amorim sent Manchester United part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe a WhatsApp message singling out Casemiro’s stellar performance after a recent Europa League clash. Casemiro, 33, has been instrumental in United's journey to the Europa League final this season.
Despite the Red Devils enduring their worst domestic campaign in decades, they have the chance to clinch European silverware and secure a spot in next season's Champions League when they face Tottenham on Wednesday night. Casemiro, since sitting out the initial group stage match against Twente FC in September, has played all but 21 minutes of United's Europa League knockout games. His three assists were vital in defeating Lyon in the second leg of the quarter-finals, while he also netted 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, cover more ground than any other player (10.5km). That was a point Amorim relayed to the club's minority owner, Ratcliffe, after the match.
As reported by The Times, Amorim and Ratcliffe talk every week over the phone and occasionally communicate via a WhatsApp group that includes other senior club figures. The Portuguese head coach is known to share his post-match thoughts in a mini-match report, while data is also fed into the group chat.
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 for appearing past his prime and seemingly lacking the stamina required for central midfield in the Premier League, though such concerns have simmered in recent months.
Casemiro’s upturn in form is also an indication of Amorim’s man-management skills, which have been noticed and admired by those above him. Despite being benched by Amorim for nearly two months, the Portuguese-speaking pair now share a close relationship.
That was evident when the former Real Madrid star warmly embraced his manager after being substituted with nine minutes remaining in the second leg against Bilbao.
According to the same report, Ratcliffe and Ineos "truly believe" that with a full pre-season and a squad overhaul, they can restore United's success. Amorim may therefore be granted over £100m to spend this summer, even if Spurs win the final in Bilbao.
Casemiro, with just a year left on his contract, is expected to stay at Old Trafford beyond this season. His form has sparked speculation about a potential new deal. And the MEN understands that a return to Champions League football could see his salary rise back up to £300,000-a-week.