What Man Utd staff have noticed about Casemiro heading into the 2024/25 season

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Manchester United fans did not expect to see Casemiro entering the new season as a key part of the midfield.

When Casemiro missed the FA Cup Final and Manchester United won the game in his absence, many did not expect to see him play a competitive game for the club again.

Casemiro’s decline in 2023/24 was clear to see, and his high wages made him an ideal candidate to sell. However, offers have not been forthcoming, and United are, for now, stuck with him.

Casemiro staying does not have to be a problem, as demonstrated by a good performance in the Community Shield.

• READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25

Casemiro impresses

Erik ten Hag believes Casemiro can still play a key role, and for now, he is expected to start the Premier League opening fixture.

He has started every pre-season game, building up his fitness. This came after Casemiro was not even selected in the Brazil squad for the Copa America, which has allowed him to focus on his fitness.

Expected bids for Casemiro have not arrived, so United’s only decision was to include him in the squad, or try and force him out.

According to The Times, Casemiro’s improved fitness has been noted by the club’s coaches.

The report said: “Staff noticed that the Brazil midfielder had lost weight over the summer and is now much leaner. It was noticeable during the Community Shield that he got to the edge of the opposition box more often.”

The report adds that Casemiro’s ability to cut out attacks is the real test. This was an area he was found wanting in during pre-season, exposed in the defeat to Liverpool.

Casemiro’s fitness was also remarked upon by Andy Cole during Manchester United’s USA tour. He told MUTV he felt the Brazilian looked fitter.

Midfield changes expected

Manchester United are yet to make any transfers in midfield this summer, so far. The club are pursuing Manuel Ugarte, who many see as Casemiro’s eventual replacement.

It’s possible that in the short-term, Ugarte simply replaces Scott McTominay, and the two South Americans play alongside each other at times this season.

But it’s also worth noting that the Saudi Pro League transfer window only closes on October 6, more than a month after the Premier League.

So it is possible there is a sting in the tail when it comes to Casemiro’s future, to be sold later, after Ugarte’s arrival.

In the meantime, he is trying to make himself useful to Manchesrter United, and if he can show a demonstrative improvement, as he hinted at Wembley, then keeping him around might not be such a bad move in the short-term.