Casemiro sends surprising response to Ruben Amorim after damning Manchester United playing time comments

Brazilian midfielder Casemiro has issued a clear but surprising response to Ruben Amorim’s comments about his lack of game-time at Manchester United.

Casemiro has started just one of Manchester United’s last ten games under Ruben Amorim, featuring only twice in that period and remaining an unused substitute in the last five.

The 32-year-old joined United from Real Madrid for £60 million in 2022 and impressed in his debut season under Erik ten Hag.

He played a key role in the club’s Carabao Cup triumph over Newcastle United and made 53 appearances that campaign, contributing seven goals and seven assists.

Since then, his form has never really been the same but he started this season well under Ten Hag’s management.

However, after Amorim was appointed it became quickly apparent that the Portuguese boss preferred different options in his midfield. Toby Collyer has leapfrogged the Real Madrid legend in the pecking order.

Amorim explains why Casemiro isn’t playing for United

Amorim has explained in detail the reason why he is deciding against picking Casemiro in his United line-ups.

Despite clear respect for the player, Amorim has suggested that Casemiro no longer has the ability to deal with the “very high intensity” in the Premier League.

“We understand that Casemiro has other things nowadays. The intelligence he has, understanding the game, understanding where the ball is going to fall,” he told TNT Sports.

“But we’re in a league that I can see, even in European competitions, the difference in intensity is big. And so, I feel that this team also needs players with a very high intensity.

“And sometimes we don’t have that and sometimes that difference in characteristic can lead one player or another to play.

“Even the fact that the group has a certain characteristic as a group. I needed some players in certain positions with a slightly different pace. But we all know the quality Casemiro has and everything he won. And so, I have nothing to say about that. It’s just a choice.”

Casemiro’s response to Amorim is clear

It is quite damning from the United boss, even though many would agree with his assessment.

Casemiro has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford this month for understandable reasons, with AS Roma one club hoping to convince the Brazilian with the offer of regular game-time.

However, it has been reported by Madrid-based journalist Tomás Roncero that Casemiro is not currently searching for a mid-season exit from Old Trafford.

It was explained that the 32-year-old accepts his position under Amorim with “peace of mind” and willingly accepts that the United boss prefers other players.

That is slightly surprising to hear and almost shuts down any potential last-minute move for the player.

He will undoubtably continue to help behind the scenes, with players like Toby Collyer and Kobbie Mainoo crediting Casemiro for playing a big part in their development.

However, on the pitch, it seems unlikely that Casemiro will have a large impact for the club unless injuries begin to occur in the engine room.

United will then revisit the player’s future in the summer window, with the Saudi Pro League seeming to be the most likely destination.

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