Following a highly successful nine-year tenure at Real Madrid, the 31-year-old midfielder made a significant move to Manchester United in the summer of 2022, with the potential transfer fee reaching £70 million when factoring in performance-related add-ons.
Casemiro’s debut season in England coincided with Erik ten Hag’s first year as the manager of Manchester United, and the team immediately experienced an upturn in fortunes, securing victory in the Carabao Cup. Additionally, the Red Devils reached the final of the FA Cup, albeit suffering a 2-1 defeat to their local rivals Manchester City at Wembley.
One adjustment for Casemiro has been adapting to the different scheduling between the Premier League and La Liga, particularly the absence of a winter break. However, he has embraced the challenge, stating, “I enjoyed it; these games have the best atmosphere. It’s been fantastic. I heard that Manchester could be a tough city to live in, but I’m loving it.”
When asked about his ambitions at Manchester United, Casemiro straightforwardly replied, “To restore Manchester United to the top.” He also expressed his enjoyment in leading by example and setting the tone for his teammates.
“I genuinely appreciate having this role. Being a leader, caring for others, acting as a father figure, always striving for success—I relish playing this role. The captain’s armband is merely symbolic, but players bear the responsibility of communicating with referees and fellow teammates. I take pride in being an exemplary player in that regard.”
With his exceptional midfield skills, Casemiro has also emerged as one of the team’s leaders, a role he will undoubtedly continue to fulfill in the upcoming 2023-2024 season. While highly-rated midfielder Bruno Fernandes currently holds the captain’s armband, Casemiro is poised to assume the position of vice-captain. “To be honest, I would love to take on this role,” Casemiro affirmed. “As a leader, I care about the team both on and off the pitch. I enjoy setting an example and being a guiding force. The captain’s armband is merely a symbol, but it carries the responsibility of communicating with referees and players. I aspire to be an exemplary player in that regard.”
