Former Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand, has reopened his long-running war of words with Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher after defending Casemiro’s recent performances for the Red Devils.
Speaking on his Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, the ex-England international praised Casemiro’s resurgence this season under Ruben Amorim, insisting the Brazilian has rediscovered the form that made him a five-time Champions League winner at Real Madrid.
“He built a stellar career — a five-time Champions League-winning career — on being the glue between the defence and midfield, plugging gaps and doing the dirty work,” Ferdinand said. “Recently, we’ve seen something close to the old Casemiro.”
The former United captain then took a swipe at Carragher, who had previously mocked Casemiro’s dip in form and urged him to “leave the game before the game leaves you.”
“It takes me back to what Jamie Carragher said — ‘leave the game,’” Ferdinand noted. “At the time, I said it was highly disrespectful. You’re talking about a five-time Champions League winner going through a change in form. Players lose confidence, players lose form — but that call was too early and very disrespectful.”
Ferdinand argued that Casemiro’s struggles last season were due more to United’s tactical issues than individual decline, pointing out that the team has looked stronger with the Brazilian in the lineup.
“Sometimes, you have to look beyond the individual,” he said. “We’re quick to find scapegoats, but the team’s setup can affect players. You can now see the benefits of the new system — Casemiro looks sharper and more effective.”
The former United star added that Casemiro’s mental strength and work ethic have always stood out.
“You don’t win five Champions Leagues without resilience and character. He’s a reference point for any player going through a tough time at Manchester United,” Ferdinand said.
Carragher’s original comments, made in September 2024 after Liverpool’s 3–0 win over United, had sparked outrage among fans. At the time, he claimed “the football has left Casemiro,” prompting Ferdinand to publicly defend the midfielder.
Under Amorim, Casemiro has become a key figure again for United, forming a solid midfield partnership with Bruno Fernandes as the club eyes a return to top form.
