Football experts and fans didn't welcome the news that Casemiro would be joining Manchester United during the 2022 summer transfer window; many claimed that the Brazilian international was becoming older and seeking a place to retire.
When Casemiro's debut was delayed weeks after Man United paid out €70 million to sign him away from Real Madrid, where he had just won his fifth Champions League trophy with the team, some and many rival fans became even more vocal.
At 31, Casemiro has put all of it to rest. He has broken down all the hate, flung it into the air, and moved on to play an essential role during the Erik Ten Hag era.
Manchester United has appeared to be a completely different team since the Brazilian international debuted in October against Everton, particularly in how they approach their games.
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All that United lacked was the passion and drove to win games, but Casemiro has filled that void, as evidenced by how he celebrates after scoring goals or winning tackles by pumping his fists to his chest.
The former Real Madrid star has provided the United team's locker room with much-needed experience, excellence, and a winning attitude in the team despite their six-year trophy drought.
Casemiro responded to the moment in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley Stadium by expertly heading in a cross from Luke Shaw into the bottom corner to put the Red Devils ahead of Newcastle after 33 minutes.
He serves as the mortar between the stones. In the first few days of January, Erik Ten Hag lauded the Brazilian international, expressing his respect for how the Brazilian had modified their midfield holding position.
HUGE WINNER BIG PLAYER
Casemiro has mastered the art of winning games like these, despite this being his first final victory with Man United. The Brazilian international has only lost one final match while playing for Real Madrid, where he has won five Champions League championships and ten other finals.
And Casemiro has contributed to United's offence with five assists and five goals so far this season, and he shows no signs of slowing down.
Out of the 13 games he has started for United, just one has ended in a loss, demonstrating the impact his passion, hunger, and professionalism have had on the team's offensive strategy. Whether or not United have a choice in who plays, his strength and ability to spot and analyze opponents' weaknesses during games may be the solution to the problem of the Premier League championship.
With a game remaining, Manchester United is comfortably in the top four, six points behind Man City, the defending champions, and eight points behind league leaders Arsenal.
To lead United in games, he has mastered the secrecy of winning even as they prepare for the FA Cup encounter against Westham on Wednesday. It poses another test for Casemiro, who emerged as Europa League favourites after humiliating Barcelona on Thursday to advance to the next round.
Casemiro expressed his desire to succeed with Man United in a media interview, saying, "If next year we don't win the Premier League or the Champions League, I would be upset and angry." He told the media.
There are many more finals and awards that Casemiro could win; whether they happen is still up in the air.
