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Brazilian media rate Casemiro as early Manchester United return emerges after Chile

Originally posted on HITC | By Dan Coombs | Last updated Sep 5, 2025 8:18 AM ET

Earlier this year, Casemiro was brought back into the Brazil setup for the first time in two years.

The move followed Carlo Ancelotti’s arrival. The pair had already worked together at Real Madrid, and the new manager was already familiar with what Casemiro brings to a team.

Casemiro was signed by United from Real Madrid back in 2022. The club spent £60 million to bring him in after his successful spell under Ancelotti.

This summer, despite interest from other clubs, he chose to stay at Old Trafford, viewing it as his best chance to remain involved with Brazil ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

He started in midfield for that match against Chile, helping Brazil secure a comfortable 3-0 win at home.

Ancelotti explains why he started Casemiro

Ancelotti said: “We had control of the game thanks also to Casemiro’s positioning. He helped us keep possession.”

The player himself also explained why he believed the decision paid off on the pitch:

Brazil cruised to a 3-0 victory, with goals coming from three Premier League players: Estevao of Chelsea, Lucas Paqueta of West Ham, and Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.

Photo by Richard Callis/Sports Press Photo/Getty Images

Paqueta found the net in the 71st minute, just five minutes after replacing Manchester United’s Casemiro.

With Brazil only 1-0 up at the time and Casemiro already on a yellow card, Ancelotti decided not to take any chances and made the change.

Before he was taken off, Casemiro had three shots – one on target – and completed 77 touches as Brazil controlled possession for much of the match.

The yellow card was his third in qualifying, which means he will miss Brazil’s next match against Bolivia due to suspension.

Photo by Jan Kruger - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images

Brazilian newspaper Globo gave him a 6/10 rating, noting both positives and areas where he fell short:

“He played a key role in Brazil’s crushing first-half performance, with interceptions and tackles that gave Chile no breathing room. He produced some excellent through balls and even scored a disallowed header. Late in the first half, he committed a hard foul, risked being sent off, received a yellow card, and is out of the match against Bolivia.” Kfouri wrote: “The card was yellow out of the referee’s generosity.”

Man Utd may recall Casemiro early from Brazil squad

Casemiro, who is suspended for Brazil’s next match, may not travel with the squad to Bolivia and could return to Manchester United ahead of schedule.

The midfielder picked up a third yellow card of the qualifying campaign, which automatically rules him out of the trip to La Paz. He had hoped to avoid suspension but now has no chance of playing in that match.

Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images

According to Globo, Manchester United are considering bringing him back early. Casemiro would have preferred to stay with the national team even though he can’t play, but Carlo Ancelotti already has a replacement lined up.

His absence could help United avoid any late fitness issues before their derby clash against Manchester City on September 14.

This season might be his last with the club – his contract runs out next summer – but with so few options available in midfield, he’ll still be needed during what’s expected to be another busy season at Old Trafford.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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