Redemption Arc: Carragher admits one Man Utd star is looking like a 'completely different player'
Manchester United made it three Premier League wins on the bounce with a dramatic victory over Fulham on Sunday.
Old Trafford erupted as Benjamin Sesko struck in the 94th minute to complete a thrilling 3-2 victory and send the home crowd into wild celebrations.
While Matheus Cunha and Kobbie Mainoo both caught the eye with lively performances, it was Casemiro who ultimately stole the Man of the Match award with a masterclass in midfield.
The 33-year-old set the tone by powering United into the lead with his fifth goal of the campaign before turning provider with a sensational no-look assist for Cunha.
Few players have split opinion like Casemiro, and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher has been one of his most vocal critics since his move to Old Trafford.
Carragher even went as far as suggesting the Brazilian should retire from football back in 2024.
Fast forward to now, and it is fair to say Casemiro has spectacularly forced him to eat his words.
Carragher gives credit to Casemiro
After the dramatic win over Fulham, Carragher was quick to hold his hands up and lavish praise on the veteran midfielder.
He said (via Sky Sports): “It is now fair to say the football has not left him.
“Considering what he’s producing this season in the Premier League, and not just Fulham at home, you think 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. Credit to him, he looks a completely different player.”
Unfairly criticised and judged
Playing for Manchester United means living under constant scrutiny, where every dip in form quickly becomes headline news.
Casemiro endured a difficult second season after shining in his debut campaign, with critics quick to write him off.
Instead of fading away, the Brazilian responded by transforming his fitness and rebuilding his game.
While he may no longer press with relentless intensity, he now offers control, authority and elite-level intelligence in the heart of midfield.
Two Man of the Match awards in his last three appearances underline just how influential he has become once again.
It is encouraging to see Carragher finally admit he got it wrong, even if Casemiro has been proving his worth for well over a year.
If anything, it now raises the question of whether former United players, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes, might also rethink their recent criticism of Lisandro Martinez.
Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .