Casemiro Manchester United
Bilbao, Spain: 05 17 2025: Casemiro seen during UEFA Europa League 2025 final game between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Manchester United FC
Casemiro has said he grew up watching Manchester United under Alex Ferguson and closely studying Paul Scholes, calling the former Red Devils midfielder a reference point for his own game.
Speaking toDAZN in Spain, the Brazilian was asked which players he admired as a youngster. His answer quickly brought the conversation back to Old Trafford.
He first mentioned Zinedine Zidane. However, he made it clear that Manchester United’s dominant era under Ferguson had a major impact on him.
“In particular, especially Zidane. Of course Zidane is number one, for me he is the one I always looked at closely,” Casemiro said.
“But I also watched a lot of football in the period when United were winning it all, with [Alex] Ferguson. So a player I liked a lot was Paul Scholes, who played a bit in my position. When he played, I watched him very closely.”
Manchester United influence during Ferguson era
Casemiro explained that as a child he absorbed everything he saw on television. United’s success made their matches unavoidable viewing.
“When you are a kid, everyone on TV becomes someone you pay attention to. You are always watching a lot of football. I really enjoyed those players,” he added.
It is a telling reflection from a player who would later establish himself as one of Europe’s most decorated midfielders.
For Manchester United supporters, there is a certain symmetry in hearing that admiration. Scholes defined a generation at Old Trafford. Years later, Casemiro would arrive in Manchester as an established star.
Althoughhe spoke at the end of last year about his plans for the future beyond United, his name is already written into the club’s recent history.
What this says about Casemiro’s mindset
Although the Brazilian built his legacy elsewhere before moving to England, these comments underline how deeply the Manchester United era of Ferguson resonated globally.
In addition, his reference to studying Scholes highlights a detail often overlooked. Casemiro’s role has always been associated with defensive solidity. Yet he clearly valued intelligence on the ball and positional awareness.
Ultimately, the quote offers insight into his football education. Before becoming a reference for others, he was just another young fan studying United’s midfield and dreaming of reaching that level.