Manchester United are enjoying the last few games of Casemiro in the club’s shirt, but Michael Carrick has hinted that Ineos have already made a mistake with him.
Nobody could have foreseen this turn of events like this time last year, when Casemiro was just beginning to re-take his place ahead of Toby Collyer.
However, Casemiro hasn’t just taken his first XI place; he has made himself undeniable for Michael Carrick as well.
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Carrick has simplified the Brazilian’s role, and he’s back to being the “cement between the stones” upon which Erik ten Hag enjoyed success in his debut season.
Michael Carrick convinced Casemiro has a lot to give
Despite his upturn in form, Casemiro’s stay at Old Trafford was always likely to conclude this season due to a variety of factors.
Carrick has restored the old guard of Man Utd, but that contrasts with Ineos’ philosophy of driving the costs down and making the team younger.
Casemiro’s salary and age are directly in conflict with those two facets of Ineos’ philosophy, and that materialised in the form of the midfielder confirming his exit in the summer.
Carrick was asked about Casemiro’s importance to the team, and he made it a point to say that he still has a lot to give at “the highest level”.
He said: “I’m sure he can [continue at the highest level]. He’s playing at as good a level as he has been for some time now.
“It’s great to see the experience, the technical game understanding, and his composure in certain moments. He’s in a really good place.
“It’s a position to try and tie everything in together and connect the whole team.”
Carrick’s words are a message to Ineos
Carrick might not be here next season, but everything he’s doing is to set the club up for long-term success.
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With his praise for Casemiro and assertion that United could have easily seen his best for another season or two, he’s sent a clear message to Ineos.
Not only could they have kept Casemiro on the books, but securing his replacement in the summer should be the club’s priority No. 1.
United are already alive to the opportunity of Elliot Anderson, who keeps setting himself apart with each game in the league, but they need more.
Whether the solution is in-house, in Cristian Orozco or Sekou Kone, or it needs more reinforcements, defensive midfield is an area United absolutely cannot afford to skimp on.
If that happens, then no manager will be able to improve on this season’s league finish next season, and the league is not even finished this season!
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