Casemiro's Comeback: From Benched to Man Utd's Best

A few months ago, Casemiro looked finished at Manchester United. After a disastrous home loss to Newcastle on December 30, 2024, the Brazilian midfielder was benched for five straight games while fans wondered if his career was over.

Fast forward to today, and he's one of the few players United can't afford to lose. The 33-year-old is leaving when his contract ends this season, but he's going out on the highest note possible.

So what changed? Casemiro spent his summer getting into the best shape of his recent career, arriving leaner and stronger than before. "Pre-season is a time to really grind, and really do some real work, then during the season you can focus more on the games themselves," he explained.

The tactics around him improved too. When Michael Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim as head coach in January, he switched to a system that protects Casemiro better. Instead of covering massive spaces alone, the veteran now has teammates pressing alongside him, letting him pick his moments wisely.

The numbers tell the story. Casemiro is running less but achieving more, with his duel success rate jumping from 51% to 58%. He's conserving energy and making every action count.

His attacking output has been remarkable. With five Premier League goals this season, he's scored more than stars like Mohamed Salah and Bukayo Saka in the same stretch. Four goals came from set pieces, where United has become the league's most efficient scoring team.

At the back post, Casemiro uses clever positioning and quick bursts of speed to lose his marker before heading home. His teammates often screen defenders, giving him just enough space to operate.

Why This Inspires

Casemiro's turnaround shows that age and a rough patch don't have to define your ending. At 33, when many assumed he was past his prime, the Brazilian midfielder proved that smart preparation, supportive tactics, and determination can flip the script completely.

His story reminds us that comebacks are possible when you're willing to put in the work and the people around you set you up for success.

After the darkest moment of his United career, Casemiro will leave Old Trafford this summer as one of their most important players, proving that how you finish matters just as much as how you start.