How Casemiro Resurrected His Career at Manchester United

A Turning Point in Form

It was arguably one of the lowest moments in Casemiro’s time at Manchester United. The team’s 2-0 loss against Newcastle at home on December 30, 2024, highlighted his struggles. During that match, teammate Joshua Zirkzee faced ridicule from fans when he was subbed off after just 33 minutes. Observers noted that had Casemiro been removed from the game, the reaction would have been even more severe. Following that match, the 33-year-old midfielder found himself on the bench for a month, sitting out five consecutive games.

However, the sentiment now is quite different: Casemiro has become a crucial player for United, and losing him for the remainder of the season would significantly impact the team. While he once appeared fatigued and vulnerable in midfield, his recent performances reflect a powerful turnaround. With his time at Old Trafford set to end when his contract lapses this season, Casemiro appears poised to exit on a high note. What has fueled this remarkable revival?

Factors Contributing to Casemiro’s Comeback

The Importance of Context in Performance
The saying goes, “Form is temporary; class is permanent.” Yet, performance is influenced by various factors. Conditions surrounding a player—including team tactics and the caliber of teammates—can affect how they perform. This season, Casemiro has repeatedly found himself in scenarios that bring out the best in him.

Physical Preparation and Tactical Adaptation
When Ruben Amorim took charge, Casemiro frequently played demanding roles that took a toll on his performance. However, his rigorous pre-season training enabled him to meet these challenges, as he appeared notably fitter and stronger. He emphasized the importance of a grueling pre-season to prepare for the campaign ahead.

Additionally, Amorim’s focus on improving squad fitness—an area where he excelled—also played a role in Casemiro’s revitalization. With United’s lack of participation in European tournaments and early exits from domestic cups, it has meant fewer games, which has further preserved Casemiro’s endurance in his farewell season.

Changes Under Michael Carrick

The arrival of Michael Carrick as head coach has resulted in a positive shift in Casemiro’s on-field duties. By adopting a more prudent 4-4-2 formation as opposed to Amorim’s high-pressing 5-2-3 setup, the team significantly reduced the distances the midfielder had to cover. This reformation has seen him perform not just defensively but also increase his contributions to the attack.

Effective Team Dynamics
While United have faced possession-dominant opponents, Casemiro has demonstrated an ability to manage his efforts, averaging 10.3 kilometers per game under Carrick, a slight decrease from 10.7 kilometers under Amorim. The new formation allows him more assistive support from wingers and full-backs, allowing him to engage more effectively in duels and win the ball.

Notably, his duel success rate has improved from 51% to 58% under Carrick, despite contesting fewer duels. This efficiency has been a common thread in United’s game strategy, allowing him to conserve energy while making a significant impact during matches.

Casemiro’s Impact on Offense

On the attacking front, Casemiro has scored five goals and provided two assists in the Premier League this season—only one goal shy of his career high. Remarkably, he has scored more non-penalty goals than established players like Mohamed Salah and Bukayo Saka, showcasing his importance in securing a Champions League qualifying position for United.

Casemiro has especially excelled in set-piece situations, contributing four goals directly from set pieces or from subsequent plays. Under Carrick’s management, the team has evolved into a highly efficient scoring unit from set pieces, a positive legacy of Amorim’s coaching.

Enhancing Playmaking Skills

Beyond scoring, Casemiro’s overall ball distribution has significantly improved. He has become adept at executing direct passes, which aligns with Carrick’s more composed attacking approach compared to Amorim’s chaotic style. For instance, his ability to disguise passes helps open up space for teammates, proving vital in transition play.

An Optimistic Conclusion

Ultimately, the final chapter of a player’s career can define their legacy. For Casemiro, who has been instrumental in Real Madrid’s illustrious era, the risk of tarnishing his reputation seemed plausible after a challenging season. Nevertheless, his resurgence under Carrick’s guidance has set the stage for a fulfilling end to his time at Manchester United. With the team eyeing the third position in the league—only five points adrift—Casemiro hopes to depart the club without regrets.