Manchester United: Casemiro’s wife hits back at criticism

Chief Football Reporter Simon Stone:

It seems like a long time ago that Casemiro texted his agent after Manchester United’s four-goal defeat at Brentford in August 2023, saying he would ‘fix’ the problems at Old Trafford and signing a deal worth £70m.

As it turned out, the Brazilian was still a short-term solution to a fundamental problem. After a decent first season, his form collapsed.

At the end of the previous semester, Casemiro lost his place.

The exact reason for his complete absence from United’s squad for the FA Cup final during the 2-1 win over Manchester City has never really been explained. But it basically came down to the midfielder having been benched by Ten Hag at Wembley, informing his boss that he was not fit to play.

Casemiro was on the pitch for the post-match festivities and briefly attended the party that followed, but quickly left and boarded a private jet with his family to start the summer, as Brazil had also dropped him from their Copa America squad.

It was believed this would be the end of Casemiro at Manchester United, with a summer switch to the Saudi Pro-League expected.

Except no deal was done. Casemiro returned for the start of pre-season training, looked fit and performed reasonably well during United’s US tour.

He started in the Community Shield defeat to City in August and has started all three Premier League games this season.

Club sources insist the 32-year-old is a role model for the younger members of the squad. He speaks English, albeit not fluently, trains hard and – apart from occasional flare-ups such as the cup final issue – is a positive influence off the pitch.

Club officials were quick to deny claims on social media that Casemiro had left Old Trafford early on Sunday morning. Ten Hag confirmed that he had seen Casemiro in the dressing room after the final whistle.

But the fact that Collyer was brought on at half-time, with United in his manager’s view needing a more mobile presence in midfield, said it all.

In his prime, Casemiro was one of the most effective defensive midfielders of his generation, and as his wife pointed out on social media, he has won all the glory in the game.

But top football is a brutal business. In the Premier League, reputations don’t count.

And much to United’s regret, Casemiro has become a nuisance in the biggest games.

With national football on hold for the international break, Casemiro has two weeks before he can get his act together on the pitch. He has been dropped from the Brazilian squad once again.