Time and time again, Casemiro makes the difference for Man Utd as he did in the Carabao Cup final.
When Man Utd announced the successful signing of Casemiro from Real Madrid, he was hailed by Director of Football John Murtough as “one of the best midfielders in the world”. Coach Erik ten Hag hinted that the Brazilian midfielder is the missing catalyst in the MU squad.
But initially, Frenkie de Jong was the signature Man Utd pursued. Not to mention, 70 million euros for a player who has turned 30 is said to be a gamble. But over time, Casemiro proved he may not be the player Man Utd wanted from the start, but the piece they needed.
The Value of Casemiro
When taking the job at Old Trafford, coach Erik ten Hag knew that Man Utd had to upgrade the midfield. For many years, Man Utd constantly changed this position but failed. They tried many names like Paul Pogba, Fred or Scott McTominay but none really matched.
De Jong quickly became the transfer priority of the red half of Manchester in the summer of 2022. Ten Hag craved a midfielder with style No. 6 and Man Utd was willing to spend 80 million euros to convince Barcelona to release De Jong . But no matter how much Man Utd tried, De Jong and Barca did not move.
Only when the deal failed, the “Red Devils” turned to Casemiro. The Brazilian player has been the core of Real Madrid ‘s play in recent years. He has the technical flair while bringing the power needed to clear the midfield.
However, the appearance of Casemiro raises question marks. Spending more than 70 million euros to buy a player who does not seem to be in the initial target, Man Utd feels this is a hasty and panic investment.
Graeme Souness even said: “He’s not a very good player. Casemiro simply plays next to top-class players like Toni Kroos and Luka Modric at Real Madrid. Casemiro can make Man Utd more certain but he “He has no passing skills. Spending 70 million euros on a 30-year-old player is a gamble.”
However, Casemiro ignored it all and gradually proved its worth. Casemiro’s improvement in the midfield of Man Utd is not a matter of discussion. More importantly, he instills enthusiasm in his teammates with the attitude of a player who plays for the team.
Not to mention the opening goal, at Wembley, the 31-year-old midfielder threw a punch into the air and celebrated in every tackle. That pervaded the rest of the team and stirred a simmering atmosphere in the stands.
Casemiro’s attitude is not to blame. The player who has reaped most of the club’s glory, including five Champions League triumphs with Real, still holds the Carabao trophy small for his stature and celebrates as if he’d just won the World Cup.
Casemiro is a bargain
The question marks about the age and expensive price of the Brazilian midfielder when he moved from Real Madrid last summer have been dispelled. Casemiro on his way to becoming the best player in the 2022/23 season of the “Red Devils”.
In the Carabao Cup final on February 26, fate knew how to choose Casemiro. He threw his powerful body in the air to head down Loris Karius. When Man Utd needed the level of a top player in big battles, the former Real Madrid star immediately spoke up.
According to Opta , the 1992 midfielder won 11 out of 13 finals in the official tournaments he attended. That proves Casemiro has the appearance of a champion.
Against Newcastle United, Casemiro won 7 duels, 5 successful tackles, 2 saves, launched a pass that opened up a scoring opportunity and scored himself. The Carabao Cup organizers chose the best Casemiro in the final.
In fact, Casemiro didn’t just play well in the final. His value was shown throughout the beginning of the season, coinciding with the time when Man Utd played well.
In the middle of the week, Casemiro made a class defense to help the “Red Devils” avoid the second goal against Barcelona. If they concede a goal after David de Gea’s careless pass, perhaps Man Utd will have a hard time getting up and going upstream to win 2-1.
Paul Scholes commented: “From the moment Casemiro joined Manchester United, the way the team played changed. He was almost like a coach playing on the pitch, giving instructions to the rest of the team.”
Not only helping Man Utd improve defense, Casemiro also brings an effective solution to the phase of entering the penalty area. As a defensive midfielder, it is not uncommon for Casemiro to suddenly appear in the opponent’s penalty area. 5 goals, 5 assists from the beginning of the season is an example.
For a long time, Man Utd lacked a player who could hold a strong position in front of the defence, control the ball and then disrupt the opponent’s play. A position that has laid the groundwork for tactical developments in top-flight football over the past two decades is seen as an alien concept at Old Trafford. But with Casemiro, things are different.
“The 70 million euro, four-year contract with a substantial salary was once considered a gamble for a 31-year-old player, but now looks like a bargain,” wrote The Athletic .
With Casemiro, Man Utd ended the title thirst for nearly 6 years. They still have the opportunity to win the “fourth” this season. The difference does not come naturally.
Casemiro may not be what Man Utd originally wanted but the piece they have long needed.
