Casemiro targets trophies with Manchester United ahead of Carabao Cup final

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By Martin Graham | 26th Feb 2023

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has stated that he would like to leave Old Trafford in the future as one of the most successful players in the past few years.

The Brazilian, who joined the Premier League club from European giants Real Madrid in the summer, has turned out to be one of the best bits of business that they have carried out in recent times. His £70 million price tag was scrutinised for a number of reasons, including his age, by English media, especially those affiliated or formerly affiliated with the club. He has not only proved them wrong, but has helped to stabilise the team’s midfield after years of shaky performances.

In less than a season, Casemiro has helped Erik ten Hag – who also took over the club this season – in turning United from the also-rans they were in the past few years into a potential quadruple-winning side after a long title drought.

The first of those trophies could be won on Sunday when they face Newcastle United – another side who has enjoyed a renaissance this season thanks to new ownership and management – in the Carabao (EFL) on Sunday.

With United on the cusp of rewriting their modern history, Casemiro, who is expected to start the final, has spoken out about his ambitions while playing for the Red Devils.

Speaking to Manchester United’s official website, the 31-year-old said: “I want to be known here as a player who wins championships. That’s the most important thing.

“Regardless if we win or not, because we know it’s hard to win titles, especially the Premier League, where all games are tough.

“But I want to win titles and important games here. It’s not easy. We know that. Especially because we’re talking about the most difficult league in the world.

”But that’s what I want to be known for.”

Casemiro has contributed four goals and six assists to the Red Devils’ cause this season while keeping an unmoveabke spot in the middle of the park as part of a two-man pivot for Erik ten Hag.

Whether partnering with fellow Brazilian Fred or Christian Eriksen before his injury, the former Real Madrid destroyer is now the jewel of Old Trafford. It is a safe assumption to make, that an injury to him at this point in the season could spell doom for their chances of doing what Liverpool could not do last season.

They are currently eight points behind Arsenal and six behind city rivals Manchester City with a game in hand in the Premier League. They are also in the UEFA Europa League round of 16 and are waiting to face Real Betis for a quarter final spot, and they will take on struggling West Ham United in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Manager Erik ten Hag will be looking forward to making history with Casemiro doing for him what he did for all those Real Madrid managers in recent seasons.