Jamie Carragher Admits He Was Wrong About One Manchester United player After The Star’s Stunning Revival

Jamie Carragher has finally held his hands up and admitted that he got it wrong about Casemiro.

Two years after delivering one of the most talked-about criticisms of the Manchester United midfielder, the former Liverpool defender has performed a clear U-turn, conceding that the football has not “left” the Brazilian after all.

Carragher’s change of heart comes at a time when Casemiro is enjoying a remarkable late resurgence at Old Trafford. On Sunday afternoon, the 33-year-old produced another commanding display as Manchester United edged Fulham 3-2 in a dramatic Premier League clash. Casemiro not only opened the scoring with a powerful header, but also played a key role in United’s second goal, setting up Matheus Cunha as the hosts raced into a two-goal lead.

It was a performance that summed up Casemiro’s importance under new manager Michael Carrick. United have now won three matches in a row since Carrick took charge, and the Brazilian has been central to that run, dictating play, breaking up attacks and delivering in decisive moments at both ends of the pitch.

A far cry from the criticism

The contrast with Carragher’s comments from May 2024 could not be starker. After United were heavily beaten 4-0 by Crystal Palace under Erik ten Hag, Carragher launched a brutal assessment of Casemiro’s future at the top level.

“I think Casemiro should know tonight that he should only have another three games left at the top level,” Carragher said at the time. “The next two league games and the cup final, then he should be thinking, I need to go to the MLS or Saudi.

“This has to stop because we are watching one of the greats of modern times. I always remember the saying ‘leave the football before the football leaves you’. The football’s left him.”

Those words quickly went viral and were often used as evidence that Casemiro’s best days were behind him. At the time, the midfielder was struggling in a dysfunctional United side, exposed in midfield and often asked to cover too much ground on his own. His performances dipped, and questions about his fitness and future grew louder.

Fast forward two years, and the picture looks very different.

Carragher admits he was wrong

Speaking on Sky Sports after United’s latest win, Carragher openly admitted that his assessment no longer stands up.

“It is now fair to say the football has not left him,” Carragher said. “Considering what he’s producing this season in the Premier League, and not just Fulham at home, you think about what he did last week against Arsenal away and Manchester City at home.

“Casemiro is well within his rights to, if he wants to come back at me and say, ‘leave the punditry before the punditry’s left you!’ He could definitely get one of those back in.”

Carragher also pointed to the physical transformation he has noticed in Casemiro, suggesting the midfielder looks sharper, fitter and more mobile than he did during that difficult spell.

“Credit to him, he looks a completely different player,” Carragher added. “He looks like a different player physically as well. Even when I said that, you looked at him and he looked like an old man coming to the end of his time as a player. Whether he let himself go a little bit, or now he’s being ultra-professional, physically, he looks completely different.”

Carrick’s influence and a clearer role

Much of Casemiro’s revival can be linked to the structure around him. Under Carrick, United look more balanced in midfield, with Casemiro no longer left isolated or constantly exposed in transition. His partnership with Kobbie Mainoo has brought stability, allowing the Brazilian to focus on what he does best: reading the game, winning duels and making smart forward passes.

Statistically, the improvement is clear. Casemiro has contributed goals, assists and a high number of interceptions this season, while also offering leadership in a side that had often looked fragile in recent years. His headed goal against Fulham was his fifth of the campaign, his best return in a Premier League season since joining United from Real Madrid.

A farewell season with a statement

Casemiro has already confirmed that he will leave Manchester United at the end of the season, making his current form even more significant. Rather than fading quietly, he appears determined to leave on his own terms, reminding everyone why he was once considered one of the best defensive midfielders in world football.

For Carragher, the public admission of error is rare but refreshing. For Casemiro, it is vindication. Written off too early by many, he has responded in the best possible way: on the pitch.

As United continue their push for a top-four finish under Michael Carrick, Casemiro’s experience and quality could yet prove decisive. And if this really is his final chapter at Old Trafford, he is making sure it is remembered for the right reasons.