Jamie Carragher has reflected on his sharp criticism of Manchester United midfielder Casemiro from April 2024, when he declared the player finished at the elite level. Casemiro, now 34, struggled during his initial three seasons at Old Trafford following his £70 million move from Real Madrid in 2022. This season, however, the Brazilian has staged a remarkable resurgence, netting nine Premier League goals and playing a key role in securing Champions League qualification for the Red Devils.
The Initial Backlash
After Manchester United’s 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace in April 2024, Carragher advised Casemiro to ‘leave the football before the football leaves you,’ adding that ‘the football has left him.’ Casemiro recently addressed the remarks, labeling them ‘disrespectful.’
Carragher’s Response and Reflections
In a recent column, the Liverpool legend conceded that his ‘brutal’ assessment has ‘aged badly’ and was ‘too harsh and premature.’ He maintained, however, that the comments were not controversial at the time, given Casemiro’s struggles with fitness, physicality, and athleticism against faster opponents. Carragher clarified that his words were not personal but stemmed from reluctance and sadness for one of the generation’s top players.
He drew a parallel to a ‘world-class boxer well past his prime’ enduring punishment in the ring, emphasizing Manchester United’s need to rebuild for title and Champions League contention.
Revival and Future Outlook
Despite Casemiro’s improved form ahead of his free transfer departure this summer—sparking fan calls for a contract extension—Carragher noted that United have yet to witness the Real Madrid version of the player. He respects Casemiro’s view of the criticism as disrespectful but frames it against the midfielder’s trophy-laden Real Madrid tenure, including five Champions Leagues.
Carragher highlighted that Real Madrid released Casemiro in 2022 believing his peak had passed, and United’s decision to let him leave for free rather than renew underscores ongoing concerns. He posed a pointed question: if United could revisit 2022, would they sign him again at that salary and fee?
Over four seasons, Casemiro has featured in 159 matches for United, scoring 26 goals. He has two final games left: hosting Nottingham Forest on Sunday and traveling to Brighton on the last day under manager Michael Carrick.
