Casemiro Hits Back at Carragher Over Leave Football Remark

Carragher had claimed the Brazilian should retire from top level football, but later admitted he was wrong as Casemiro rediscovered form under Michael Carrick, helping United secure Champions League qualification with several crucial performances and goals.

In the latest twist surrounding Casemiro and former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, the Manchester United midfielder suggested that Carragher’s harsh criticism from 2024 may have stemmed from “bitterness” over Real Madrid defeating Liverpool in two UEFA Champions League finals. Casemiro, who won five Champions League titles during his time in Spain, played a key role in Madrid’s victories over Liverpool in 2018 and 2022.

Back in 2024, Carragher had brutally claimed that “the football has left him” after United’s poor run of form and urged Casemiro to leave top-level football. However, the Brazilian has enjoyed a major revival under Michael Carrick this season, becoming one of United’s most influential performers and helping guide the club back into Champions League qualification contention.

Responding to the old criticism, Casemiro said he respected Carragher’s opinion but hinted that Liverpool’s painful defeats to Real Madrid could explain the former defender’s comments. Despite the jab, the midfielder appreciated Carragher later admitting he was wrong.

Carragher himself recently acknowledged Casemiro’s resurgence, praising his performances against Arsenal and Manchester City and joking that the Brazilian had every right to tell him to “leave punditry before punditry leaves you.”