Carragher backtracks on Casemiro comments after renaissance

Jamie Carragher has credited Casemiro for his renaissance at Manchester United after the midfielder’s return to form.

Carragher was criticised for his harsh verdict on Casemiro’s downturn during the 2023-24 season. Following Manchester United’s 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in May 2024, the former Liverpool defender said that Casemiro’s time at the top level was over.

“I always remember the saying ‘leave the football before the football leaves you’. The football has left him,” Carragher said to Sky Sports at the time.

Casemiro has played a key role in Manchester United’s upturn this season and impressed again in Sunday’s win over Fulham. The 33-year-old, who will leave the club in the summer, has looked back to his best and Carragher has admitted his criticism of the Brazilian was premature.

“I think was Casemiro has done at Manchester United, and he’s getting a great reception because he’s leaving at the end of the season. He’s done the perfect type of thing you want from a signing,” Carragher said.

“His first season was fantastic, so everyone thinks he’s a great player, and his last season he’s going out on a high. He’s been fantastic this season, so he’ll be remembered really well as well.

“I think the middle part of his time at Manchester United was a little bit of a struggle for him, but there’s no doubt he’s bounced back. It is now fair to say that the football has not left him, considering what he’s produced this season in the Premier League. And not just Fulham at home, what he did last week against Arsenal away and Manchester City at home.

“Casemiro is well within his rights if he wants to come back at me and say ‘leave the punditry, before the punditry leaves you’. Credit to him, he looks a completely different player.”

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