Casemiro Informed Erik ten Hag of Unwillingness to Play in FA Cup Final Before Being Withdrawn
Manchester United midfielder Casemiro decided to withdraw from the FA Cup final against Manchester City due to a minor injury problem.
Despite being named among the substitutes, the Brazilian international informed manager Erik ten Hag that he was experiencing a tight hamstring and felt he was not fit enough to participate, even as a substitute. Consequently, Willy Kambwala replaced him on the bench.
A Challenging Season
Casemiro’s second season at Manchester United has been difficult. Injuries within the squad forced him to play out of position as a centre-half for the final month of the campaign.
His performances in this unfamiliar role, particularly against Crystal Palace, Arsenal, and Burnley, faced heavy criticism.
With the return of regular defenders Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane, ten Hag was able to field a more stable backline against City, allowing Sofyan Amrabat to perform in midfield alongside Kobbie Mainoo, who delivered his best performance of the season.
Post-Match Celebrations and Future Prospects
Casemiro joined his teammates on the pitch to celebrate their FA Cup victory and made a brief appearance at the post-game party before leaving for a holiday with his family.
Despite his current contract with Manchester United, there are indications that he might be moved on this summer. Clubs in Saudi Arabia, including Al-Nassr where Cristiano Ronaldo currently plays, are reportedly interested in acquiring his services.
Criticism and Response
Casemiro has faced significant criticism this season, including remarks from Jamie Carragher, who suggested after a 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace that Casemiro should consider retiring. However, the 31-year-old midfielder has firmly rejected these notions, emphasizing his physical fitness, energy, and enduring passion for the game.
He addressed the criticism and his future plans in an interview with Sky Sports:
“I’m really well, I feel healthy, with energy and the same mentality I always had. I guess people end up talking about the age factor, but it’s been proven. Recently, our friend Thiago Silva, at the age of 39 coming here and showing that, yes, you can play. The previous Ballon d’Or winners were over 34. At Man City, there’s Kevin De Bruyne. [Mohamed] Salah at Liverpool. I think age is not an issue, it is not a factor in this, but analysing one’s game and knowing about everything that is happening around the game.”
Casemiro expressed his satisfaction with his time at Manchester United, stating:
“But I’m well, I’m happy, living every day I get to play here. As I usually say, Manchester United gave me what I wanted. This joy of being able to enjoy the game, enjoy the Premier League. So, I’m happy to be here at Manchester United and enjoying the game.”
While his future at Manchester United remains uncertain, Casemiro’s commitment and love for the game continue to drive his career forward.
Casemiro Informed Erik ten Hag of Unwillingness to Play in FA Cup Final Before Being Withdrawn
