Jamie Carragher, who talks about soccer on Sky Sports, is kind of backtracking on what he said about Casemiro. Remember how Carragher said back in May 2024 that soccer had left him? Well, now that Casemiro is doing better under Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford, Carragher is changing his tune and saying the 33-year-old still has some game left.

Carragher Takes Back Harsh Words About Casemiro From 2024

Casemiro has been playing a big part for Amorim this season. He's started 15 out of 16 league games when he's been available, and he's scored four goals for United.

He's got six months left on his contract at Old Trafford, and no one knows what will happen next. But he's sure to be important for the rest of the season as United tries to get back into the Champions League. They're back in the top five after beating Newcastle United right after Christmas.

Carragher has noticed that Casemiro is playing better, even though Carragher gave him a hard time a year and a half ago. Before United's game against Newcastle, Carragher said Casemiro looked fitter and almost a stone lighter than he did on that awful night in London in May 2024 when Crystal Palace beat United 4-0.

'Good on 'Him'—Casemiro Gets Praise After a Good 2025/26 Season

Before the game, Carragher looked a little embarrassed when asked about what he said about Casemiro before.

Not yet (laughs), Carragher said on Sky Sports. Good on him, but Man United was way down in the standings last season. But, you know, when I see him now? Good on him; he looks physically different. I remember that Crystal Palace game; he looks way lighter. He was never going to leave with that contract; that's the problem with the deals they've made since they last won the league. It's not going to be renewed, so that's where they'll start looking for new players in January or the summer.

What Carragher Said About Casemiro in May 2024

Carragher really went after Casemiro after he played badly against Crystal Palace. Michael Olise scored twice, and Jean-Phillipe Mateta and Tyrick Mitchell also scored.

Carragher said live on Sky Sports that night, "Casemiro should know he only has three games left at the top level." The next two league games and the cup final, then he should think about going to the MLS or Saudi Arabia.

This has to stop because we're watching one of the greats. I always remember the saying, 'Leave the soccer before the soccer leaves you.'

The soccer has left him. He needs to stop playing at this level and move on. He's too good to play like that and get laughed at by Crystal Palace. He needs to call it a day.

Casemiro Has a Big Job as United Tries for Europe

United is back in the top five in the league after beating Newcastle 1-0 on Friday. Patrick Dorgu scored the winning goal.

Casemiro started for Amorim, but Leny Yoro replaced him after an hour. Like in other games this season, United wasn't as good when Casemiro came off—but they managed to win.

Carragher said that Casemiro makes a lot of money—around £350,000 ($452,296) a week—so the club might not renew his contract when it ends on June 30, 2026. He can start talking to other clubs in January, but Amorim said they haven't decided about his contract yet.

No matter what happens in the next six months, Casemiro will be important as United tries to get back into the Champions League. He'll want to keep proving his doubters wrong.

Manchester United squeezed past Newcastle at home on Boxing Day, putting pressure on teams above them. Patrick Dorgu scored the winning goal, clearly benefiting from the freedom given by coach Ruben Amorim.

Early on, Casemiro almost scored with a header from a corner, but he couldn't keep it down. United kept pushing, and eventually, Dorgu volleyed in a great goal midway through the first half.

Near the hour mark, Benjamin Sesko nearly made it two, but his shot hit the top of the bar. Shortly after, Newcastle's Lewis Hall hit the bar from 25 yards out.

Newcastle kept up the pressure, with Anthony Gordon shooting wide. Eddie Howe brought on Yoane Wissa, Harvey Barnes, and Joelinton to try and get an equaliser.

Diogo Dalot then missed a great chance to seal the game, shooting over the bar, while Matheus Cunha also shot wide after a good run. Still, one goal was enough. Here's what we learned at Old Trafford.

Dorgu makes his mark

Almost a year after joining United, Patrick Dorgu scored his first goal for the club. It was a screamer, with the Dane smashing the ball past Aaron Ramsdale after Nick Woltemade's headed clearance.

Dorgu looked hungry for more after his first goal, testing Ramsdale with a low shot before halftime. He spent the whole game up the pitch, causing Newcastle problems on both wings.

Earlier this season, Ruben Amorim said he wanted Dorgu to show the form he had in Denmark. This game was probably what he had in mind.

Fernandes's curse broken

Bruno Fernandes went off injured against Aston Villa, which worried fans because United had only picked up one point in the last seven league games without him in the starting lineup.

Amorim knew it would be hard to replace him, but said United had options. For the first half, you wouldn't have guessed that a key player was missing.

United looked stretched late in the game, and Tyrell Malacia even made a rare appearance from the bench. It wasn't easy, but they got the win.

United's defence surprises Newcastle.

After rejecting the idea before, Ruben Amorim seemed to ditch his usual back three, at least at the start. Patrick Dorgu played on the right wing in front of Diogo Dalot, with Luke Shaw at left-back and Ayden Heaven partnering Lisandro Martinez in the middle.

The change might have been out of necessity since Noussair Mazraoui and Amad weren't available.

Newcastle seemed caught off guard. During a break in play, Lewis Hall got a message, and the visitors changed their approach.

United stayed on top before bringing on another centre-back, Leny Yoro. But it was another switch, with the Frenchman moving to right-back and Dalot going to the wing.

Fletcher's chance

Before the game, some United fans wanted Jack Fletcher to start. The teenager made his debut on Sunday and might have had a shot with Fernandes injured, but he started on the bench.

At the start of the second half, Mason Mount's substitution gave the youngster his chance. He started in an attacking role, but then had to be flexible as others were subbed off.

Fletcher's twin brother, Tyler, was also on the bench for United, and Tyler Fredricson came on late in the game. United might not be at full strength, but the future seems bright.

Man Utd gets revenge.

Last year, United had a terrible first half against Newcastle. They were 2-0 down within 20 minutes, and Amorim subbed Joshua Zirkzee off before halftime.

This time it was different. Amorim's team started quickly, and Newcastle didn't really get into the game until the second half.

Zirkzee got a chance to redeem himself in the last half-hour. Newcastle did most of the attacking, and the home team had to defend, but it will feel good to get revenge.