Jamie Carragher has conceded that his previous dismissal of Manchester United midfielder Casemiro was premaature . Following a period of intense criticism, the Brazilian player played a vital role in the club's recent successful push for Champions League qualification.

The April 2024 Selhurst Park collapse

The decline of Casemiro's reputation reached a nadir following a 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace in April 2024. At that time, Jamie Carragher argued that the Brazilian midfielder was effectively done at the highest level of football. The former Liverpool defender famously compared the player to a veteran boxer who had stayed in the ring too long, noting a visible lack of the athleticism required to compete in the Premier League.

This period of scrutiny followed Casemiro's high-profile arrival at Old Trafford in the summer of 2022 for a £70 million fee. while his tenure at Real Madrid was defined by 17 trophies and five Champions League titles, his early years in England were marked by a struggle to replicate that tactical dominance.. As the report notes, the transition to the English game proved far more difficult than many anticipated, leaving the midfielder looking exposed against quicker opponents.

Nine Premier League goals and a Champions League return

Casemiro staged a remarkable comeback during the 2025-26 campaign, defying the "finished" label that had become so prevalent in the media. The 34-year-old midfielder became a central figure in Manchester United's successful effort to secure Champions League football. His impact was not merely defensive; he also found new life in the final third, netting nine goals in the Premier League.

This resurgence shifted the narrative from one of decline to one of essential veteran leadership. The improved form earned Casemiro significant support from the Manchester United fanbase, many of whom advocated for a contract extension to retain his experience. His ability to pivot from a perceived liability to a cornerstone of the squad highlights the volatile nature of professional football performance.

The ghost of the 17-trophy Real Madrid era

Despite the recent success, Jamie Carragher maintains a nuanced stance on the midfielder's current capabilities. Writing in a column for the Telegraph, Carragher admitted that his previous claims had "aged badly" and were perhaps too harsh. However, he continues to argue that the version of Casemiro that dominated Europe with Real Madrid has not fully returned to Old Trafford.

Carragher's critique suggests that while the player is still highly effective,he is no longer the world-class physical force he once was. The pundit's perspective is that the peak version of the Brazilian remains a memory of his time in Spain. This distinction allows Carragher to acknowledge the player's recent contributions while still questioning the long-term viability of his high-level performance in the Premier League.

The mystery of the summer free transfer

As the current season concludes, Casemiro is set to leave Manchester United on a free transfer this summer. This decision has raised questions about the club's internal assessment of the 34-year-old.. While he has recorded 159 appearances and 26 goals for the Red Devils, the hierarchy appears ready to move on despite his recent contributions.

One major unanswered question is whether the club is prioritizing long-term financial flexibility over the immediate stability Casemiro provides. As the report suggests, Carragher believes the United hierarchy may be allowing him to depart because they view his best days as being in the past.. It remains to be seen if the club can replace his veteran presence and goal-scoring threat without the high salary associated with his tenure.