Jamie Carragher reflects on his sharp 2024 critique of Manchester United midfielder Casemiro, acknowledging that his words now appear overly severe following the player’s impressive resurgence.
Casemiro’s Challenging Start and Recent Revival
Casemiro, 34, joined Manchester United from Real Madrid for £70 million in 2022 and struggled in his initial three seasons at Old Trafford. However, during the 2025-26 campaign, the Brazilian has transformed his performance, scoring nine Premier League goals and playing a key role in securing Champions League qualification. Despite fan demands for a contract extension, Casemiro prepares to leave on a free transfer this summer.
The Controversial 2024 Remark
In April 2024, after Manchester United’s 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, Carragher advised Casemiro to ‘leave football before the football leaves you,’ adding that ‘the football has left him.’ Casemiro recently labeled this assessment as ‘disrespectful.’
Carragher’s Response and Context
Carragher concedes his ‘brutal’ comments ‘aged badly’ and were ‘too harsh and premature,’ though he maintains they were not controversial at the time. He explains that in 2024, Casemiro appeared unfit, lacking the athleticism to handle faster opponents, especially in deeper midfield or center-back roles during that Selhurst Park match.
‘My remarks were not personal,’ Carragher states. ‘They came with reluctance and sadness for one of the generation’s best players, based on United’s need to challenge for titles and the Champions League.’
He likens the scene to a ‘world-class boxer past his prime’ enduring painful blows in the ring. Carragher notes that United has yet to witness the Real Madrid version of Casemiro, who claimed 17 trophies including five Champions Leagues.
Ongoing Debate on Casemiro’s Future
Carragher highlights how perceptions have shifted but stresses context: Real Madrid released Casemiro believing his peak had passed, enabling United’s signing. He points out the club’s willingness to let him depart for free rather than extend his deal, despite improved contributions at age 34 compared to 32.
‘If United could turn back time, would they still sign Casemiro?’ Carragher questions. He predicts clubs will avoid similar deals for aging stars of his caliber in the future.
Casemiro has featured in 159 matches for United across four seasons, netting 26 goals. He faces Nottingham Forest at home on Sunday before the final-day trip to Brighton.
