Although Brazil have qualified for the 2026 World Cup finals, it was a night to forget for Carlo Ancelotti’s side when they travelled to Bolivia.
There was uncertainty about Casemiro’s role in the Manchester United first team when Ruben Amorim arrived at Old Trafford last November.
Casemiro’s importance grew under the Portuguese coach towards the end of last season, and now he is deemed a starter in the line-up ahead of Manuel Ugarte, despite being 33 years old.
United are planning to sign a new midfielder in 2026, but as things stand, Casemiro is responsible for sitting in front of the back three and helping the team when in transition.
Brighton’s Carlos Baleba has been identified as a target, but replacing Casemiro in the team will be a huge challenge for whoever steps in.
Ugarte, 24, has a chance to prove his worth to the team throughout the season. The Uruguayan must improve drastically to take Casemiro’s place.
Meanwhile, Kobbie Mainoo could compete for a place deeper in midfield, although Amorim has made it clear this season that he sees the young England star as competition for Bruno Fernandes instead.
Photo by Riquelve Nata/Sports Press Photo/Getty ImagesBrazil suffer defeat without Casemiro
Brazil were left shocked as Bolivia won 1-0 to secure a spot in the intercontinental play-offs for next year’s World Cup.
Miguel Terceros scored from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time to secure the home win, as Brazil struggled to cope without having Casemiro in midfield.
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti admitted that replacing Casemiro would be difficult. The former Real Madrid boss started Chelsea’s Andrey Santos in the middle of the pitch.
Casemiro was ruled out after picking up a yellow card in Brazil’s 3-0 win over Chile, meaning he could return to Manchester early ahead of the derby.
The five-time World Cup winners had the majority (58%) of possession, but couldn’t take advantage of their 10 shots, as just three were registered on target. Casemiro may have been a defensive juggernaut for most of his career, but he can also unlock teams with his cutting-edge passing ability.
Before the match, Brazilian commentator Arnaldo Ribeiro warned that Santos was taking on a difficult role, as no one in the squad has Casemiro’s experience.
“Casemiro is a special case because he was Ancelotti’s redemption from the coaches who preceded him,” Ribeiro said, as quoted by Uol.
“In the last four years, no midfielder with Casemiro’s characteristics, experience, and guile have emerged in Brazilian football. Casemiro was a fundamental pillar of both Real Madrid and Ancelotti.
“So, for Ancelotti, there was no other Casemiro, not even at Real Madrid, and there isn’t one on the Brazilian national team.”
Interestingly, these problems exist at United for Amorim too.
It was evident in Brazil’s defeat to Bolivia.
Casemiro won 5 Champions League titles during his time at Real Madrid and was recognised as one of the best midfielders in the world for a long time. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that teams are finding it difficult to replace a player of that calibre.
Casemiro wasn’t the only Man Utd player missed
United fans are waiting for updates on Matheus Cunha’s injury.
The new signing picked up an injury in United’s 3-2 win over Burnley and missed the September international break as a result.
United have been optimistic that Cunha will be available for the Manchester derby, but Amorim will not address the media until Friday afternoon.
There’s no doubt that Brazil missed Cunha in the final third against Bolivia.