Jamie Carragher ripped into Casemiro after the Brazilian midfielder's disastrous performance in Manchester United's 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in May. The Liverpool legend, never one to mince his words, went on a tirade about how the five-time UEFA Champions League winner was done at the elite level:
“I think Casemiro should know tonight that he should only have another three games left at the top level. 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 the modern time. I always remember the saying 'leave the football before the football leaves you'. The football has left him. At this top level, he needs to call it a day at this level and move."
Carragher wasn't wrong about Casemiro's nosedive during the 2023-24 campaign, as he looked a shell of his usual dominant and enthusiastic self. This came amid United's catastrophic Premier League campaign in which they finished eighth.
Yet, fast-forward six months, Casemiro has bounced back with some slick performances that are perhaps going under the radar. The 32-year-old was impressive in the Red Devils' 1-1 draw against Chelsea on Sunday (November 3), playing with a passion that doesn't suggest he has any doubts over his ability to continue at the top level.
The former Real Madrid midfielder has been one of United's best performers this season, aside from a disappointing 3-0 home loss to Liverpool. He's appeared 14 times across competitions, registering three goals. He's pulled the strings in the middle of the park and seemingly stepped up his fitness, perhaps wanting to prove his doubters wrong.
Should Jamie Carragher consider 'leaving the football?'
A pundit will always try and cause controversy and make headlines with their analysis as negativity gets more views. We have seen this on Sky Sports for many years as the likes of Roy Keane and most recently Gary Neville tear their former club Manchester United to shreds on air.
Yet, Carragher's dismissal of Casemiro's capabilities to continue in the Premier League was beyond the pale. The Liverpool legend wrote one of the greatest defensive midfielders off, which resulted in the Brazil international becoming a meme synonymous with the line 'Leave the football before it leaves you'.
Carragher has yet to discuss Casemiro's recent upturn in form, perhaps concerned it's he who maybe should consider 'leaving the punditry before it leaves him'. He claimed the other day that United had a squad capable of competing for the top four amid Ruben Amorim's arrival.
Casemiro could flourish under Amorim
Casemiro was linked with an exit to the Saudi Pro League in the summer, per Fabrizio Romano, but stayed at Old Trafford. His recent run of form suggests he could be a key player under new manager Amorim once the Portuguese tactician arrives on November 11.
Amorim will already have his former Sporting CP midfielder Manuel Ugarte to call upon. He might continue with the midfield partnership between the Uruguayan and Casemiro that has been used by interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy.