In a stunning career turnaround that defies conventional football wisdom, Brazilian midfielder Casemiro has transformed from being written off as finished at the top level to becoming Carlo Ancelotti's "most important player" for the Brazilian national team.
The Dramatic Fall from Grace
The remarkable resurrection story began at its lowest point just eighteen months ago, when Jamie Carragher delivered a brutal assessment on Sky Sports following Manchester United's humiliating 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in May 2024. The former Liverpool defender declared Casemiro "done at the top level" and suggested the experienced professional should consider retirement.
The criticism appeared justified as the Brazilian's form had plummeted dramatically after a stellar first season at Old Trafford, where he'd won United's Player of the Season award. An early-season muscular injury that kept him sidelined for three months marked the beginning of his struggles, and he never truly regained his previous dominance.
His situation deteriorated further under new manager Ruben Amorim, who admitted that Casemiro found himself behind even Toby Collyer in the midfield pecking order at the turn of the year. The once-indispensable player became a peripheral figure, omitted from the Brazil squad and an unused substitute in ten of Amorim's first sixteen games at Manchester United.
The Turning Point and Remarkable Resurgence
From this professional nadir, Casemiro's fightback began with increased opportunities during United's Europa League campaign. The 33-year-old seized his chance with impressive performances against Lyon, where he set up Harry Maguire's dramatic late winner, and Athletic Bilbao, where he found the net himself.
His most telling contribution came in the Manchester derby, where the seemingly fallen giant made more tackles than any player facing Pep Guardiola's side since the Spaniard took charge in 2016.
The statistics underline his importance to the revitalised United side. In the 553 minutes Casemiro has played for United this season, the Red Devils have conceded a goal every 110.6 minutes. When he's absent, that defensive resilience plummets to conceding every 31.54 minutes.
Ancelotti's Faith and International Redemption
Carlo Ancelotti's appointment as Brazil coach proved pivotal in Casemiro's redemption arc. The Italian manager, who reportedly shed a tear when the midfielder left Real Madrid for United in 2022, immediately recalled a player he'd won three Champions League titles with.
Following Brazil's dominant 2-0 victory over Senegal at the Emirates on Saturday, Ancelotti gushed about his midfielder's impact. "He did really well," the legendary manager told Daily Mail Sport. "The most important player for the balance of the team when we have the ball. He's very intelligent tactically. He's got lots of quality. Really important as a leader for the squad and a really important player for us."
Amorim echoed this sentiment recently, acknowledging Casemiro's remarkable transformation. "In the beginning, he was behind every midfielder, even Toby [Collyer]," Amorim revealed. "But he fought and he worked and now he's back in the national team. The other guys need to look at Casemiro and understand that football can change really fast."
What Next for the Resurgent Star?
With his Old Trafford contract expiring at the end of the season, questions naturally arise about his future. Several months ago, most United fans would have welcomed his departure, but his resurgence has complicated that decision.
Casemiro's story serves as a powerful reminder that form is temporary while class remains permanent. As he approaches his 34th birthday, the five-time Champions League winner has demonstrated that premature obituaries for great players often prove greatly exaggerated.
The Brazilian's journey from outcast to integral figure at both club and international level within months stands as testament to his professionalism, resilience, and undiminished quality when many had considered his top-level career finished.
