Casemiro has rated Brazil’s World Cup chances, and it sends a direct message to Man Utd that they were right not to hire Julian Nagelsmann.
Club football will take a firm backseat for the next two months as the World Cup dominates coverage, and Brazil are likely to be one of the favourites.
Man Utd have two players to watch out for in Brazil, as Matheus Cunha and Casemiro are key men.
Michael Carrick is waiting for Cunha back at Carrington, and Casemiro has just shown why it’s not Julian Nagelsmann in Carrick’s place.
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Casemiro wary of one factor with Brazil at the World Cup
In terms of pure strength of the roster, there aren’t many teams better than Brazil, and Casemiro is fully aware of that fact.
It would be a surprise if they didn’t go deep into the knockout stages, but a key factor could work against them thereafter.
After Brazil’s 6-2 thrashing of Panama, in which Casemiro scored and assisted, he said that they are confident going into the tournament, but a lack of fluency under Ancelotti could cost them.
Ancelotti has been in charge of Brazil for only a year, which, in terms of training time, is less than 40 days.
It leaves them well behind teams like France and Germany, who are much farther along in the process under their managers.
He said: “It’s difficult to talk about favorites (for the World Cup). We will be strong, but there are other teams a step ahead, that already have a consolidated project.
“Ancelotti has recently completed a year, or rather, 40 days on the job. There are other national teams that are further along in this process.”
Casemiro’s comments show Man Utd right to avoid Julian Nagelsmann
Casemiro’s comments about other teams being a step ahead in the process are pertinent to Man Utd.
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They almost found themselves in a similar position had they appointed Nagelsmann, who is currently the Germany head coach.
The German wouldn’t have been able to take charge of the club until after the World Cup, and the pre-season would have already begun by then.
While other managers, like Xabi Alonso or Enzo Maresca, work on their teams, United would start the season a step behind due to not having their manager in place.
They have avoided that scenario by placing Carrick in charge, who will be ready to go from day one of the pre-season.
In fact, making him permanent means United are now a step ahead, since he has already been at the club since January.
Casemiro’s comments show United have turned a potential one-month disadvantage into a six-month advantage by choosing Carrick over Nagelsmann.
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