Manchester United midfielder Casemiro delivered a commanding performance for Brazil, scoring in a 2-0 friendly victory over Senegal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. The display strengthens his case for a pivotal role in Carlo Ancelotti's World Cup plans, justifying his recent decision to remain at Old Trafford.
International Brilliance on Display
The veteran midfielder, 33, found the net as Brazil secured a comfortable win in London, with Chelsea winger Estevao also on the scoresheet. This match continued Brazil's positive development under their new manager, former Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti. Casemiro's influential showing demonstrated his enduring quality at the highest level, earning plaudits from media in his homeland.
According to Brazilian outlet Folha de Sao Paulo, his performance showed he "has evolved" at this advanced stage of his career while emerging as the team's "main leader." The publication noted his transformation from a purely defensive midfielder to a more complete player, capable of initiating attacking plays with excellent passing.
World Cup Ambitions Driving Decisions
Casemiro's international resurgence appears to have validated his choice to turn down a lucrative summer move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, where he would have reunited with former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. Reports from September confirmed the midfielder rejected their advances, believing his chances of securing a spot in Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad were best served by remaining at Manchester United.
His recent form supports this decision, with three goals and one assist across his last four appearances for both club and country. Having earned a Brazil recall under Ancelotti after a two-year absence from the national team, Casemiro has reinvented himself as a deep-lying playmaker in the Italian manager's setup.
Future at Manchester United
The pressing question for United manager Ruben Amorim is whether Casemiro will still be at the club when the World Cup arrives next summer. His current contract expires in 2025, though United hold an option to extend it by an additional twelve months.
Despite his substantial £350,000-a-week wages, the Brazilian is building a compelling argument for his retention with consistently impressive displays. Brazilian media outlet Globo highlighted his effective partnership with Bruno Guimaraes, noting both have "demonstrated a good ability to alternate in chasing down opposing midfielders and participating in the build-up to attacking plays."
Correio Braziliense added further praise, suggesting Ancelotti has nearly settled on his preferred starting lineup with Casemiro as a central figure. The outlet described the midfielder as "one of the few remaining players from the last World Cup and the team's main leader alongside Marquinhos."
With his evolving role and continued influence for both club and country, Casemiro appears increasingly likely to feature prominently when the World Cup kicks off in Canada, the United States, and Mexico in 2026.
