Ruben Amorim insists Manchester United still need Casemiro

Manchester United manager highlights Casemiro’s vital role in midfield after draw against Manchester City.

Ruben Amorim acknowledges the crowd after the Premier League match at Old Trafford in Manchester on April 6, 2025. Photo by Martin Rickett/PA Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Ruben Amorim insists Manchester United still need Casemiro as the backbone of their midfield, especially after the Brazilian delivered a commanding performance in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford. Speaking after United’s goalless draw against local rivals Manchester City on Sunday, Amorim emphasized the irreplaceable value Casemiro brings to the team both in terms of experience and tactical discipline.

Quoted from the club’s official website on Monday, Amorim explained that Casemiro consistently delivers what the coaching staff expects. That level of reliability, he said, is why the 33-year-old continues to earn a place in the starting eleven.

“If they improve what we ask of them, they have a chance. If they play well, they will continue to play. That is the situation with Casemiro,” Amorim stated. “The credit goes entirely to the player. Casemiro is our player and will continue to be our player.”

Casemiro’s presence was especially significant in Sunday’s Premier League clash, where United battled their crosstown opponents to a 0-0 draw. In a match that demanded grit, awareness, and midfield control, Casemiro stood tall—winning 12 out of 13 duels, making 11 tackles, and neutralizing numerous City attacks. Though not flashy, it was a performance that reminded fans and pundits alike of what the Brazilian brings to the table.

Casemiro proves his worth in derby draw

It wasn’t just a strong statistical showing. Casemiro anchored the midfield with poise and physicality, a trait that’s become rare in a United team still searching for stability. At a time when some questioned whether his best years were behind him, the former Real Madrid stalwart proved he’s far from finished.

This was the type of match tailor-made for a veteran like Casemiro—intense, strategic, and balanced on a knife’s edge. His understanding of space, timing in challenges, and ability to calm the tempo are exactly what United needed to match Manchester City stride for stride.

Amorim was quick to highlight Casemiro’s mindset as equally valuable as his physical contributions. “The most important thing about Casemiro is that he has won everything with Real Madrid,” the Portuguese coach said. “That mentality is something we desperately need.”

A leader beyond the stats

While some fans have fixated on his age or questioned his mobility in recent months, Casemiro has quietly remained a pillar in United’s midfield. His resume speaks volumes—five UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid, countless trophies in Spain and Europe, and a reputation for showing up when it matters most.

But it’s not just his silverware that makes him valuable. It’s the calm under pressure, the reading of the game, and his willingness to do the dirty work that others shy away from. Against Manchester City, he didn’t just defend; he organized, directed, and led by example.

Amorim, still relatively new to English football and tasked with rebuilding Manchester United’s identity, sees Casemiro as a cornerstone of that effort. “We need players who know how to win. Who understand what it takes. Casemiro brings that every day.”

The reality of Manchester United’s season

Despite Casemiro’s standout showing, the draw leaves Manchester United in a disappointing 13th place, with 38 points from 31 matches. It’s a far cry from the glory days the club is striving to reclaim. But Amorim is taking the long view, recognizing that progress will come in phases—and leaders like Casemiro will be crucial in guiding the younger generation.

“We know where we are in the table,” Amorim acknowledged. “But we also know what we’re building. Casemiro is part of that foundation.”

His statement underscores a broader philosophy: this isn’t about short-term fixes, but about crafting a team with the right DNA. Amorim wants fighters. He wants winners. And in Casemiro, he has both.

With seven matches remaining in the Premier League season, Manchester United will need every ounce of experience and resilience they can muster. There are questions around squad depth, form, and long-term strategy. But there are also certainties—like Casemiro.

As the Red Devils prepare for their next fixtures, fans will hope the team can channel the fight they showed against Manchester City. They’ll also be looking to Casemiro, once again, to be the anchor that holds it all together.

Casemiro’s continued influence undeniable

Ruben Amorim insists Manchester United still need Casemiro, and it’s not hard to see why. In a season of ups and downs, the Brazilian midfielder remains one of the few constants—delivering effort, quality, and experience whenever called upon.

In the ever-demanding world of the Premier League, players like Casemiro are a rare commodity. Amorim knows it, and so does anyone who watched him dominate the Manchester derby. Regardless of what the future holds for United, Casemiro’s importance cannot be overstated.

As long as he’s on the pitch, Manchester United won’t just have a midfielder—they’ll have a warrior.