In just a few months, Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has transformed from an unwelcome failure to a much-needed hero.

The 33-year-old was the unsung hero behind United’s amazing comeback against Lyon and has started all five of the team’s Europa League knockout matches under Ruben Amorim.

One of the final turning points in Casemiro’s third season at Manchester was the 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad in mid-March.

Amorim was forced to use the older but considerably more seasoned defensive midfielder after Manuel Ugarte was sidelined due to injury.

Since then, however, Casemiro has been a consistent member of the United starting lineup, as evidenced by his early departure from Bournemouth last Sunday in order to rest for Bilbao.

Additionally, he received recognition for leading the club to a 3-0 victory on Thursday in the unfriendly San Mames, a location he is familiar with from his time with Real Madrid.

In the first game, the Brazilian sprinted 10.55 kilometers, more than any other United player, against Bilbao’s 10-man.

Under former manager Erik ten Hag, Casemiro went from being a brilliant star to a disappointing failure after a miserable year filled with terrible errors.

Casemiro dropped down the midfield hierarchy as a result of a number of high-profile mistakes, most notably the horrifying howlers in the team’s 4-0 loss against Crystal Palace in May 2024.

Then, in January of this year, United prayed for an offer from the wealthy Saudis, putting the once-famous Madrid maestro on the chopping board.

However, Casemiro, who has maintained his highest level of professionalism while sitting out months, has made a comeback in a different capacity.

The Sky Sports analyst is now haunted by Jamie Carragher’s vicious request that the five-time Champions League champion “leave the football before the football leaves you.”

Casemiro will undoubtedly be among the first names on the teamsheet if United advances to the Europa League final on May 21.

After United crushed Bilbao, Amorim was questioned about the remarkable change in the Brazil international.

“He is a very good example,” the 40-year-old stated. Even Toby (Collyer) occasionally played in front of him, and it is now difficult to remove Casemiro.

Thus, it serves as a lesson for every Manchester United player. Everything can change in an instant, regardless of the past or the previous month.

Casemiro only played 136 minutes in the 14 games that took place between the middle of December and the beginning of February. He started one of those games, a 2-0 loss to Newcastle at home, but was dismissed an hour later.

He was utilized as a substitute nine times during that time, including in the historic FA Cup victory over Arsenal.

The amount of effort Casemiro has put forth to fulfill his expectations and reclaim his spot on the team has impressed Amorim.

Casemiro has the safety net of a third center back, and the manager’s 3-4-2-1 style has narrowed the enormous gaps that formed between the defense and midfield under Ten Hag.

In short, Casemiro’s running and pressing triggers have been modified by United.

Due to the intense nature of the Premier League, Casemiro, who has one year remaining on his £375,000-per-week contract, was unable to complete that duty.

Therefore, Amorim loosened his demands and told Casemiro to sit deep rather than push high and press the enemy midfield, instead of pressuring him to do something he couldn’t.

In contrast to Sporting, when the two wingbacks would drop deep as soon as the team lost the ball, this means that Diogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu press higher up the pitch.

“We recognized that he cannot constantly jump while pressing high,” Amorim continued.

“We have to help him understand that sometimes it’s better to have three defenders, let him play as the fourth, and press the wing-backs.

“We are attempting to grasp all of these problems and deal with the team’s criticisms. However, Casemiro deserves the credit.

As they look forward to a fourth season at Old Trafford, Casemiro’s wife, Anna, and kids, Sara and Caio, are content in Manchester.

The Manchester Evening News reports that Casemiro’s leanness this season has impressed United sources.

People who referred to the Brazilian as “overweight” were hushed by his new toned body, months after minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe identified him as one of a “overpaid” group.

The amount of effort Casemiro has put forth to fulfill his expectations and reclaim his spot on the team has impressed Amorim.