Casemiro finally getting the credit he deserves

The Red Army has always been very knowledgeable about the game and the Brazil international's contribution has consistently been appreciated and saluted.

In fact, there was a time when there was a clear difference between some of the online discourse around the 33-year-old and his standing within the fanbase. To me, it is clear that the respect for a serial winner of such quality has remained undiminished, even while there was debate around his position in the side. 

The fans can be pretty good judges of character.

It is easy to talk positively about a player when he has just scored and assisted in an excellent 4-2 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion.

Yet we all know there is so much more to Casemiro's all-round contribution. Defensively, he helps shield the back three and never underestimate his value when facing set-pieces, because his ability to clear aerial balls out of the box is exceptional.

Indeed, ESPN reporter Rob Dawson pointed out over the weekend that United have only conceded three of the 19 goals we have let in this season, while the South American is on the pitch.

He was, of course, suspended for the 3-1 defeat at Brentford and only came on for the final 10 minutes of the Manchester derby loss.

Ruben Amorim acknowledged Casemiro's attitude to the job, saying on Saturday: "He's so important to us and I'm really very happy with him.

"The other players should take Casemiro as an example. You just have to work. If you do what's necessary, you will play."

For a guy who has won five UEFA Champions Leagues, he does not appear to have a huge ego and, instead, doubles down and works even harder to make his mark, when any adversity does come his way. Perhaps this is due to his upbringing in Sao Paulo.

Nobody would ever doubt his quality, as one of the finest holding midfielders of his generation, but we are now seeing his influence grow further in this tactical system. Back as a key figure for his country too, under his former Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, he captained Brazil for their recent friendlies in Asia and will be hoping to have plenty to celebrate at next year's World Cup finals.

However, on the immediate horizon is a trip to Nottingham Forest to take on new boss Sean Dyche's men, as we seek a fourth successive victory.

The City Ground has already witnessed a big goal by Case, when his late headed winner secured a passage into the quarter-finals of the Emirates FA Cup in 2024, en route to lifting the trophy at Wembley.

The hosts have six Brazilians in their ranks - John Victor, Morata, Murillo, Jair Cunha, Douglas Luiz and Igor Jesus - and each of them will have huge respect for what their fellow countryman represents and his achievements at the highest level.

Maybe he has had to endure an unfair level of scrutiny because of his age and an obsession with bringing in new blood but it would appear as though the general footballing public are catching up on what has been acknowledged within Old Trafford, ever since he arrived in 2022. 

Our no.18 is still a class act, capable of helping this team compete for silverware and he has so much more to offer. There is nobody undervaluing him here.

The opinions in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Manchester United Football Club.