Casemiro has revealed that last season was one of the “most successful” years of his career, despite his tough start under Erik ten Hag and Rúben Amorim.
In Manchester United’s third Premier League fixture of the previous season, they faced Liverpool at Old Trafford and were defeated 3-0, courtesy of a brace from Luis Diaz and another goal from Mohammed Salah.
While everybody failed to impress in the game, Casemiro particularly struggled alongside Kobbie Mainoo, to the extent that he was substituted at half-time for Toby Collyer in his first Premier League appearance.
Casemiro fought his way back into the team before Erik ten Hag’s departure, but when Rúben Amorim first joined the club, the Brazilian played as backup for Manuel Ugarte.
The Real Madrid legend only returned to the team later in the season, following his impressive performances in the Europa League, including his brilliance against Olympique Lyonnais, which resulted in two late goals from Mainoo and Harry Maguire.
Despite his form at the start of the season, Casemiro was chosen to start the Europa League final, solidifying his importance to Amorim’s side over Ugarte.
Casemiro reflects on season
Speaking after being recalled to the Brazil team by his former Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, Casemiro reflected on his season at Old Trafford: “This year has been one of the most important years of my career, if not the most.”
“Even because of the coach’s [Amorim] choice. I was left out [of the team], but I never stopped working. That’s my great success. Everyone wants to talk about titles, victories and big games, but when you don’t play and you manage to change the mind of a coach who arrives and doesn’t play you.”
He later added: “You end up coming back, and now you’re being praised by the coach who at first practically didn’t count on you… it was one of my most successful years.”
“These are things that end up happening internally. I’m one of those people who, when things happen internally, I don’t like to say too much.”
Casemiro could be set to stay at Old Trafford next season after his impressive end to the season, with no confirmation on his future suggesting he will start the season as Amorim’s defensive midfielder.
Loan move for Collyer could be beneficial
If Casemiro does stay at United next season, Amorim will have the Brazilian competing for minutes alongside Bruno Fernandes, Mainoo and Ugarte, with no European football to play in mid-week.
Young midfielders like Collyer could be forced to move on loan if they want regular game time and to develop correctly. The opening rounds of the Carabao Cup could be the only time when Amorim feels capable of playing academy talents, with an improvement in the Premier League key next season.
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Sekou Kone also looks set to be leaving on loan, with Laussane looking to be the most likely destination, along with Enzo Kana Biyik.
The loan move would “strengthen their relationship” with Laussane, meaning more players could be loaned to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s second football club to develop.
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