Manchester United are just one step away from reaching the Europa League final again, and Casemiro has played no small part in the journey.
He has dominated on both his last visits to Spain, against Real Sociedad in the Round of 16 and now, against Athletic Club in the semi-final first leg.
The Brazilian has come up with the goods in the business end of the season, and Ruben Amorim cannot stop gushing over his impact and professionalism on and off the pitch.
It looked like his time was up back when Erik ten Hag was boss but he ended up staying last summer despite interest from Saudi Arabia.
Low point in his United spell And once again, when Ruben Amorim arrived and outlined his desire to see intensity from his players, it seemed like the former Real Madrid superstar would be leaving given his inability to satisfy those demands due to his ageing legs.
But what a turnaround it has been for the 33-year-old, who is now one of the first names on the teamsheet and is even ahead of summer recruit Manuel Ugarte in the pecking order.
Samuel Luckhurst wrote in his report for The Manchester Evening News that the Brazil international did not complain and kept his head down and worked hard during his one-month spell on the bench in the initial days of Amorim’s reign.
And once he got a look-in, he never looked back. In fact, sources even pointed out to the outlet that Casemiro’s work in the gym has paved the way for the turnaround in fortunes.
Coaches have also pointed to his humble attitude as another of the positives that the head coach has now recognised.
“People at United’s Carrington training complex noticed Casemiro’s personality never wavered during a trying first half of the season. They have always found him to be a warm presence. Within a matter of months, Casemiro has gone from unsellable to undroppable. If or when United reach the Europa League final, Casemiro is a shoo-in in midfield.
Turnaround in fortunes “Amorim has been impressed by how hard Casemiro has worked to meet his demands to regain his place in the team. He noticed that he never complained during those winter weeks warming the bench.
“United sources have been struck by how leaner Casemiro is this season. People in Madrid said Casemiro used to be in the club’s Valdebebas gym at 8am and he often has gym sessions before and after training at Carrington.
“Staff at Carrington regard Casemiro as one of the most respectful players they have encountered and that he is strident in protecting the club’s image.”
Amorim clearly wants Casemiro around but whether INEOS will agree given his humongous wages remains to be seen. For now, all fans will care about is seeing the Brazilian help the Red Devils lift the Europa League crown which will allow the club to return to playing in the Champions League.
Feature image Michael Regan via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Ayantan Chowdhury Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
