United Discussion | Is Casemiro our most important player?

It feels like United’s most crucial player isn’t Mbeumo, Cunha, Amad, or even Bruno. It’s Casemiro.

One of many improved players from the recent run

Author | Lee Francis 

The Red Devils have shipped 16 goals in all competitions this season, and Casemiro has been on the pitch for just three of them. That’s not a coincidence, it’s a fact we can’t ignore.

Fans have been calling for Kobbie Mainoo to get more game time, but they’re overlooking the reality of Amorim’s system, which needs a midfielder who can anchor the team while letting their partner join the attack.

While Fernandes was busy dancing around Mbeumo, Cunha, Amad, and Benjamin Sesko against Brighton, Casemiro was holding the fort, and adding a goal and an assist to boot.

Catching up with people after another positive result.

There has been special praise for Cunha, Mbeumo and Sesko.https://t.co/TjY9zsawHC

— The View From K Stand (@viewfromkstand) October 27, 2025

If anyone is benefiting from United’s one-game-a-week schedule this season, it’s the 33-year-old Brazilian.

United won’t offer Casemiro an extension on his current terms beyond next summer. He’ll be 34 by then. The focus now has to be on finding a younger player with the same profile to step into his boots.

We asked the question to several United fans

Olivia T gave an in-depth answer to this question: "Casemiro's season so far has mostly consisted of impressive cameo appearances before being taken off around the hour mark. On average, he is substituted in the 66th minute, often replaced by Manuel Ugarte for the rest of the game. 

"Last time out against Brighton, it was Kobbie Mainoo who came on, and United suddenly looked very exposed until Ugarte came on. So, what does Casemiro’s typical hour look like? Surprisingly productive, it seems. Perhaps what’s helping him is that, unlike in Ten Hag’s midfield, he has less ground to cover and a smaller area to patrol as the team plays more compactly."

Liam C said: “Overall, we are better off when he's in the midfield. It would be interesting to see if he stays on beyond this season, but I’d certainly keep him for another season, especially if we’re back in Europe.”

Pete Shaw added: “For a player who has won five UEFA Champions Leagues, he does not seem to have a big ego. Instead, he focuses and works even harder to make an impact whenever adversity comes his way. He has definitely become really important for us this season.”