Casemiro’s Comeback: From Criticism to Crucial for Man Utd

Casemiro’s Revival: From Criticised to Crucial at Old Trafford

At the end of 2024, Casemiro looked finished at Manchester United. Booed by fans, dropped from the starting XI, and branded as “leggy,” the Brazilian seemed destined to fade out.

Fast-forward to February 2026: Casemiro is not only vital, he’s thriving.

What Changed?

Under Michael Carrick, Casemiro is flourishing again. The switch from Ruben Amorim’s high-pressing 5-2-3 to Carrick’s compact 4-4-2 has played to his strengths:

• Less space to cover, reducing physical strain

• Improved positioning support from wide and central players

• More controlled tempo, aligning with his passing traits

His duel success rate jumped from 51% to 58%, despite contesting fewer duels per game. His total distance covered also dropped slightly – a smart shift that’s preserved his energy and efficiency.

Set-Piece Machine & Big Game Player

Casemiro was left out of the side for a month after the 2-0 home defeat by Newcastle in December 2024

Casemiro has 5 Premier League goals this season – 4 from set-piece phases. United, now the most efficient set-piece scorers in the league, have found a system that suits him:

• Back-post runs, often shielded by screens

• Timed headers, like in the win over Fulham

Better on the Ball

Ruben Amorim was sacked as United’s head coach in January

In the build-up, Casemiro has adapted:

• Dragging markers wide to free up teammates like Kobbie Mainoo

• Simplifying distribution, avoiding pressure pockets

• Clever disguises, like his pass to assist Matheus Cunha vs Fulham

Carrick’s system mirrors what worked for him at Real Madrid, where Modrić and Kroos took build-up duties while Casemiro advanced with less pressure.

Ending on a High

With United chasing Champions League football, Casemiro now feels irreplaceable again. He’s shown the mentality and class of a serial winner, proving critics wrong in what looks like his final season in England.

He may be 33, but Casemiro’s legacy is now being shaped not by how it dipped — but by how he rose again.