Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has publicly acknowledged a dramatic turnaround in form from Manchester United's Casemiro, having previously suggested the Brazilian midfielder should retire from top-level football.
From Scathing Criticism to Unexpected Praise
The Sky Sports pundit's stark reassessment comes after Casemiro's impressive performances this season under new manager Ruben Amorim. Carragher had delivered a brutal verdict following United's 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in May 2024, stating that "football has left" the five-time Champions League winner and that he should "call it a day" and move to a league like the MLS or Saudi Arabia.
However, the 33-year-old has emphatically silenced those doubts. In 15 appearances this campaign, Casemiro has found the net four times, becoming a key figure in Amorim's setup and showcasing a markedly improved physical condition.
A Striking Physical Transformation
Carragher, conceding the point, highlighted the player's changed physique as a major factor. "Fair play, he looks a different player physically," Carragher admitted. "I remember that night at Crystal Palace, he looks almost a stone lighter."
This resurgence is occurring against a backdrop of uncertainty regarding Casemiro's long-term future at Old Trafford. The midfielder is now into the final six months of his lucrative contract, and the club is actively linked with potential midfield reinforcements such as Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson.
Contract Concerns Amidst Revival
While praising the player's current impact, Carragher was sceptical about an extension, referencing the initial deal as "ridiculous." He predicted, "It's not going to be renewed, that's the first area they look at bringing reinforcements in in January or the summer."
The contrast with Carragher's original comments is stark. In 2024, after the Palace debacle which confirmed United's failure to qualify for Europe, he argued Casemiro was being "laughed at" and that one of the modern greats needed to leave the Premier League to preserve his legacy.
Instead, Casemiro has staged a compelling comeback, forcing a notable critic to revise his opinion and proving his enduring value at the heart of Manchester United's midfield.
