Casemiro has admitted that achieving success with Manchester United is vital for him personally, as he aims to achieve his 2026 World Cup dream with Brazil.
Casemiro was a player at the beginning of the season who had seemingly been written off by the majority of the fanbase at Manchester United, and it seemed he was well past his best at 33. But he has played an important role in United’s resurgence under Michael Carrick.
The 33-year-old has already announced he will be departing Old Trafford at the end of the season, but will be focused on the remaining games of the campaign as he aims to help his side qualify for the Champions League.
United’s 3-2 victory over Arsenal and 2-0 dismantling of Manchester City have shown that Carrick is not afraid to rely on Casemiro, even though he will not be playing for the Red Devils. In some sense, both are individuals who are uncertain of their futures and just trying to do whatever they can for the club.
However, success for Casemiro is not only necessary to see the club succeed, but also for him to achieve his personal goals internationally, as the Brazilian aims to enter this year’s World Cup off the back of positive momentum in the Premier League.
Casemiro admits World Cup dream, and current form at United
If Casemiro can remain injury-free for the remainder of the season, he will represent Brazil at the third World Cup of his career, being named as captain of Carlo Ancelotti’s squad. It will likely be his last World Cup, as the veteran midfielder will be 34 when the tournament kicks off later this year.
Speaking to ESPN, Casemiro explained how a positive end to the season for United may impact his dream of winning a World Cup:
“It’s one of the things that goes through my head the most, especially the way we lost, even more so in the other two [2018 and 2022], when we were doing well, with good dynamics. Against Croatia, for example, they took a shot on goal, scored, and ended up being eliminated on penalties. So, it’s the title that’s missing from my career.
“Of course, when it comes to the World Cup, to get to the World Cup, you have to do well at your club to do well at the World Cup. So, consequently, one thing leads to another.
“So I have to do well here at United. But it’s something I dream about every day, and I dream about it while awake, I dream about it while sleeping. I think it’s something I think about a lot and it’s one of the big goals for this season.”
Casemiro’s hunger to achieve his international dreams will fill United fans with confidence, as the desire to win football matches has clearly not left the legendary midfielder.
Ancelotti sent staff to monitor Casemiro against City
In the same interview, Casemiro discussed his strong bond with Brazil manager and five-time Champions League winner Carlo Ancelotti. The pair won all there was to win together at Real Madrid, and their linkup at the upcoming World Cup make Brazil an even bigger threat than usual.
“We always communicate, mainly because of his human side. He’s a guy who’s always very close to the players, wishing them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!”, he said.
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“His coaching staff was at the game against City. They told me they wanted to come and watch the game. So, we’re always in communication; it’s important, especially with that strong base that we know the national team has.
“And of course, it’s nothing new for Ancelotti to do this, because of his human side, which is very important.”
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