Casemiro explains his winning mentality
After major contributions to Manchester United’s Europa League run, experienced midfielder Casemiro has explained his winning mentality.
The Brazilian was at the heart of our dramatic quarter-final second leg comeback against Lyon in mid-April, earning a penalty and then setting up both Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire in the 5-4 extra-time win.
He then netted our opening goal in a fantastic 3-0 away victory at Athletic Club in the semi-final first leg.
This comes after a spell out of the team in the autumn, when head coach Ruben Amorim had first taken charge.
Previewing the semi-final second leg for United Review, Casemiro went through his thinking.
“I have won what I have won,” the five-time Champions League-winner told our official matchday programme.
“But I always want more. I always want to earn it, to win, that is the winning mentality. People only see the 90 minutes, I always say ‘the matches are the reflection of what you do every day’ and that is me - always working.
“Whether I play or don’t play, I am there every day. That is me as a person, that is me. Whether I play or not - all I want is for United to win. If United win, I am winning. The most important is that United win. It is not about me winning or another player winning, it is about United winning.
“I want to help in any way I can, I will be there. This is my mentality. That is why I have won what I have won in my career.”
Our legendary comeback v Lyon… in slo-mo!
NEW ANGLES | Holly on the MUTV camera captured this AMAZING footage of United’s comeback v Lyon…
Any young footballer reading Casemiro’s quotes should take heed. This is one of the sport’s most-decorated players in history.
And still, with all that success in the past, every United fan would have seen the passion erupt from the 33-year-old during that dramatic win over Lyon.
Photos showed Casemiro on his knees, then lying in the floor, amidst the late mayhem at Old Trafford, and also screaming into the crowd.
“I will always remember those moments because it was such a difficult game, but these are the games that mark you as a footballer,” he continued.
“They are the reason you play football. After the game, you say, they are the games you live for, and so these are the games you remember forever.”
United play on Thursday seeking to make it another game to remember forever, but, most importantly, hoping to reach the Europa League final.
Order your copy of United Review for the big game now, or buy it on matchday at one of the stadium kiosks.