Casemiro given new Brazil role to give Erik ten Hag something to ponder at Man Utd
Casemiro has been appointed as the captain for Brazil’s upcoming matches, which has led to speculation that he could also be considered for the same role at Manchester United.
Despite joining United only recently, the fact that Casemiro’s name is being mentioned as a potential captain reflects the impact he has had at the club.
At present, Harry Maguire is the captain, but if he departs in the summer as has been rumored, the manager Erik ten Hag will need to decide on a replacement.
While Bruno Fernandes has served as the captain for United when Maguire has been unavailable this season, not everyone is convinced of his suitability for the role.
Casemiro’s new role with Brazil could therefore serve as a reminder to the United manager of his potential as a captain.
Globo has reported that Casemiro is set to captain Brazil in their upcoming friendly against Morocco on Saturday, which will be his first time leading the team since their World Cup qualifier against Ecuador in January 2022, and only his 11th time overall.
During the World Cup, Thiago Silva served as Brazil’s captain, leading them to the quarter-finals before losing to Croatia in a penalty shoot-out. Silva has since confirmed that the 2022 World Cup would be his final tournament.
The interim manager, Ramon Menezes, has opted for a younger squad for the friendly, with Casemiro being the oldest outfield player at 31 years old.
One of the younger players in the squad is Andrey Santos, a Chelsea teenager currently on loan at Vasco da Gama.
If Casemiro becomes the permanent captain of Brazil, there may be concerns about his role at the club level. A survey of Manchester United fans showed that they prefer the 31-year-old to become the captain of the team if Maguire leaves.
Following Manchester United’s 7-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Premier League, there were doubts about Fernandes’ position as the team’s on-field captain.
However, Ten Hag clarified that there are no plans to remove him as captain, and Fernandes has continued to lead the team in Maguire’s absence. Maguire was appointed as captain during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tenure.
“He’s playing a brilliant season, he’s had a really important role in why we’re in the position where we are, and he’s giving energy to the team – not only running a lot at the highest intensity but the right way and right direction,” United’s manager said
“He’s coaching players, he’s an inspiration, but no-one is perfect, everyone makes mistakes, we have to learn, he has to learn and he will, because he’s intelligent. I’m happy to have Bruno Fernandes in the team and that he’s captain when Harry isn’t on the pitch.”
Casemiro given new Brazil role to give Erik ten Hag something to ponder at Man Utd
