Ahead of Casemiro’s long-awaited return to domestic football, his agent, Oscar Ribot, has provided an insight into the mind of Manchester United’s midfield maestro.
The Brazilian was dealt a four-game ban after being brandished a questionable red card during the Red Devils’ clash with Southampton back in March. According to The Guardian, Casemiro’s entourage had footage ready to try and challenge the suspension before the club ultimately decided against it.
He has consequently only been able to feature once for United since March 12 in a Europa League Round of 16 tie against Real Betis, which resulted in a 1-0 win and the Reds progressing to the quarter-finals.
In the international break, he was made captain of the Brazil national team under new coach Ramon Menezes.
Casemiro has played a pivotal and invaluable role at the heart of United’s midfield since he arrived in the summer transfer window. The resurgence happening at Old Trafford has been in the works for several years but has only really kicked into gear this season, and he has been instrumental throughout.
He opened the scoring at Wembley in late February during United’s Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United. The goal came against the run of play for the Reds, but he was there to head home from a set piece and see the team on their way to ending a six-year trophy drought.
Ribot on Casemiro
Ribot’s description of the midfielder perhaps proves why he is one of the most highly-decorated players in world football. With five Champions Leagues, three La Liga titles, three Super Cups, three Supercopa de Espanas, three Club World Cups and so much more under his belt at 31, he’s showing no sign of slowing down anytime soon.
“Taking football away from Case is like taking food from his table, it’s like he can’t live, can’t breathe. He wakes up thinking about football and goes to bed thinking about football. He watches hundreds of games: any team, any league. I’ve seen him watch Chinese games because there is always some detail. He says he won’t be a coach, but he will. He’s already one in a footballer’s body. This month [during his suspension], he’s watched everything, calculating the points needed and the days left.”
Regarding his time at United, Ribot added: “Case has signed for four years plus one. He’s come to win titles; this month has been hard, but there’s nothing else on his mind.”
