Ruben Amorim has revealed that one Manchester United star has been “teaching his teammates a lesson” after his impressive performances since his return to the side
Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 system is a unique formation that most of the squad aren’t used to, meaning they have had to adapt and play in new roles.
Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes have both played across the pitch, lining up in the deeper midfield, attacking midfield and even as the centre forward.
Several players also found themselves dropping out of the team because they didn’t suit the system, the most obvious example being Casemiro.
The Brazilian was in a poor run of form when Erik ten Hag left Manchester United and it continued under Amorim until recently.
In recent months, Casemiro has become a key member of the starting team, often finding himself playing alongside or ahead of Manuel Ugarte, who Amorim coached during his time at Sporting CP.
“The credit is for Casemiro” says Amorim
Speaking after United’s 3-0 victory against Athletic Club, Amorim was asked about the importance of Casemiro in his squad after his limited minutes at the start of the season.
The United boss explained that the 33-year-old has managed to change his mind and says that the turnaround from the Brazilian should be an example to other players at the club struggling for form this season.
“He improved a lot also, you can see [that] not in the way he plays but the way he runs and you can see it. We have the data to show he worked really, really hard. He’s a very good example,” Amorim said.
“But he was not playing. Even Toby [Collyer] sometimes was playing in front of him. And now it’s hard to take Casemiro [out].
“So it’s a lesson for all the players in Manchester United: no matter what is the past or the last month, everything can change in one moment. Then we understood that he cannot jump all the time pressing high. We need to let them understand.
“Sometimes it’s better to put three defenders and let him be the fourth defender and put the wing backs pressing high. So these small things we are understanding, trying to cope with all the characteristics of the team. But the credit is for Casemiro.”
Casemiro to stay next season
At the beginning of the season, many fans would have said that Casemiro will likely move on at the end of the year.
However, his performances, especially in the Europa League, could earn him a place in Amorim’s squad next season.
With just one year left on his contract, and at his age of 33, Casemiro will not cost a high fee and United will have to take a huge loss on the Brazilian.
Therefore, it makes sense to keep the former Real Madrid man until his contract expires in the summer of 2026. His experience could prove invaluable in a squad that could be very young next season, if United get some of the targets they are interested in.
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