The tide is turning at Manchester United under Ruben Amorim, and it can be seen from Matheus Cunha and Ruben Amorim giving deserved flowers to a player flying under the radar.
Whenever things have turned badly at Man Utd, the first focus has always gone to the professionalism of the players.
The same can’t be said now, as even during Man Utd’s worst moment this season, the players were genuinely behind Ruben Amorim, as evidenced by Matheus Cunha’s earlier comments.
Now that the tide has turned, Cunha has again been at the forefront of the plaudits, giving flowers to a Man Utd ace he termed ‘an example’ for everyone. Ruben Amorim agreed.
Matheus Cunha praises Casemiro
When Manchester United were coasting 3-0 against Brighton, Amorim made a change, and it’s not a coincidence that United conceded two after.
Off went Casemiro, and Kobbie Mainoo came to take his place alongside Bruno Fernandes in the deep pivot.
It was a popular move because Mainoo has become the odd man out this season, but what transpired after that substitution put into perspective how important Casemiro has become to this side.
Playing once a week, the Brazilian’s ability to mop up loose balls and win the ball high up the pitch is critical to making Amorim’s system work, and the manager had to introduce Manuel Ugarte soon after to keep solidity intact.
Casemiro’s importance and the turnaround in his fortunes weren’t lost on Matheus Cunha or Amorim, who accepted that the Brazilian’s Utd career was as good as done at one point.
Cunha said: “My first goal had to be with Casemiro. I have no words for him, really. Our relationship started in the national team, and to compliment him as a player is to say the water is wet! He’s such an example for all of us.
Ruben Amorim hammers home Casemiro’s comeback
Amorim sang from the same hymn sheet as Cunha, going back further to hammer home the point that Casemiro was behind even Toby Collyer at one point.
He said: “He’s an example for everyone. In the beginning, he was behind every midfielder, even Toby (Collyer). But he fought and he worked and now he’s back in the national team.”
The Man Utd manager’s comments should serve as a message for any player feeling sorry for themselves or feeling wronged by him.
Casemiro’s comeback is an example that the door for every player remains open at Old Trafford, as long as they apply themselves instead of sulking.
For a five-time Champions League winner to show that level of desire to spark a comeback should be reason enough for others to knuckle down and work harder.
Amorim has been a man of his word by recognising his earlier decision and how he has been forced to change his mind.
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