Casemiro may be reaching the latter stages of his career, but there is no denying that the experienced midfielder still has a significant role to play at Manchester United.
Shortly after Ruben Amorim became Manchester United head coach, it was suggested that Casemiro’s days at Old Trafford were numbered.
In 2022, he left Real Madrid and joined United in a four-year deal worth up to £70 million. That means the Brazil international has entered the final year of his contract.
Despite his age (33), Casemiro reinvented himself during Amorim’s initial few months in charge and kept Manuel Ugarte out of the line-up for the Europa League final defeat in Bilbao.
It took Amorim a while to figure out how best to utilise Casemiro in his 3-4-2-1 system. He was an unused substitute in nine of the first 13 matches, but things are very different now.
The 2025/26 campaign has started with Casemiro selected ahead of Ugarte in midfield alongside Bruno Fernandes.
Now the pressure is on Ugarte to fight for his place in the team, and Casemiro is showing no signs of giving up just yet.
Casemiro becomes Ruben Amorim’s ‘soldier’ in midfield
Although United have started the new season slowly, with one win in four matches, Casemiro is still considered one of the first names on the team sheet due to his capabilities and experience.
United made an unsuccessful approach to sign Carlos Baleba in the summer because they had identified the midfield area as a concern. It will be a bigger concern when Casemiro leaves.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, an integral member of Casemiro’s entourage and his agent for more than a decade, explained that the Brazilian veteran has become Amorim’s ‘soldier’ after developing a strong relationship with the head coach.
“They have a fantastic relationship that is one of absolute respect,” Ocar Ribot said.
“Amorim understands that Casemiro must always play because if he doesn’t things go worse for Manchester United.
“Casemiro is Amorim’s soldier and the two of them have great chemistry.”
Now that Casemiro is considered a key figure under Amorim, there is a possibility that good performances could lead to a new contract, despite the fact he is nearing retirement.
Ribot is expecting the best version of Casemiro this season.
He added: “It’s a future [at Manchester United] with a lot of ambition.
“The club has signed very well and I think they will have a great season. What I can assure you is that this season you will see the best version of Casemiro.”
Casemiro helping Diego Leon to settle at Man Utd
Two of United’s five new signings come from South America.
Casemiro already knew Matheus Cunha from the Brazil national team, but he is also helping Paraguayan youngster Diego Leon to settle in at Old Trafford.
The Daily Mail claims Casemiro has taken Leon under his wing and is treating him like a little brother.
Leon, a promising left wing-back, is still waiting to make his competitive debut for United.
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