Casemiro has been a key player for Manchester United under Michael Carrick, which has led to Jamie Carragher eating his words when it comes to the Brazilian midfielder
Jamie Carrager on Sky Sports
Jamie Carragher has changed his opinion on Manchester United's Casemiro (Image: Sky Sports Premier League)
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Jamie Carragher has finally conceded that football hasn't deserted Manchester United midfielder Casemiro after all. Two years following his now-infamous assessment of the Brazilian, Carragher has executed a belated change of heart.
This comes after Casemiro, has confirmed that he will leave United at the end of the season, both scored and provided an assist in Sunday's thrilling 3-2 victory over Fulham at Old Trafford. The former Real Madrid man broke the deadlock with a commanding header before teeing up Matheus Cunha for the Red Devils' second.
Casemiro's display contributed to United securing three consecutive victories under new boss Michael Carrick, a streak in which the 33-year-old has played a pivotal role. It represents a stark contrast to his showings near the conclusion of the 2023-24 campaign.
Following United's 4-0 hammering at Crystal Palace under Erik ten Hag in May 2024, Carragher proclaimed: "I think Casemiro should know tonight that he should only have another three games left at the top level.
Casemiro celebrates scoring their first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford.
Casemiro has impressed with his performances for Manchester United under Michael Carrick. (Image: Ash Donelon, Manchester United via Getty Images)
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"The next two league games and the cup final, then he should be thinking, I need to go to the MLS or Saudi [Arabia].
"This has to stop because we are watching one of the greats of modern times I always remember the saying 'leave the football before the football leaves you'.
"The football's left him. At this top level, he needs to call it a day at this level and move."
Two years later, with Casemiro still a regular starter for United, Carragher has admitted his error. "It is now fair to say the football has not left him," Carragher confessed to Sky Sports.
"Considering what he's producing this season in the Premier League, and not just Fulham at home, you think what he did last week against Arsenal away and Manchester City at home.
"Casemiro is well within his rights to, if he wants to come back at me and say, 'leave the punditry before the punditry's left you!' He could definitely get one of those back in.
"Credit to him, he looks a completely different player. He looks like a different player physically as well.
"Even when I said that, you looked at him and he looked like an old man coming to the end of his time as a player. And whether he let himself go a little bit, or now he's being ultra professional, physically, he looks completely different."