Michael Carrick: Casemiro is offering everything
By Joel Masibo, April 28, 2026After Manchester United solidified their spot in the Premier League’s third spot with three points against Brentford at Old Trafford on Monday night, April 27, 2026, interim manager Michael Carrick paid tribute to Carlos Casemiro and his midfield partner Kobbie Mainoo in the 2-1 victory over the visitors.
The Brazilian was at his best in the win over the Bees, opening the scoring with a header in the 11th minute before making a phenomenal number of tackles and clearances to keep the Reds ahead in what was a tricky game against Keith Andrews’s high-flying side.
As he enters his final few games in a Manchester United shirt ahead of his departure at the end of this season, Carrick gave credit to the 34-year-old’s professionalism and also spoke about how Mainoo is flourishing alongside the Brazilian, with his countryman Matheus Cunha missing the action.
Carrick hails Casemiro
On how much Casemiro is enjoying these final games of his Manchester United career, Michael Carrick said:
“It’s pretty clear how much it means to him. Probably the situation, the clarity of it, has helped everything. It means a lot to him and credit to him because he’s giving absolutely everything and he’s had some big moments for us. All round, it’s quite a nice direction for it to be taking.”
Michael Carrick also explained how he can maximise Casemiro’s presence on the field and elsewhere in his final games, saying:
“Case has had an influence within the group. He’s got huge experience. He’s a big player who has achieved an awful lot in the game. I have to say since I’ve arrived, he’s given everything he could possibly give. The situation has probably helped that. Knowing exactly where he’s at. He’s got nothing to hide. He’s thrown himself right into it. It’s football, players come and go. Players have come and left this football club over the years. You’ve got to evolve and move on and adapt. That’s the world that we’re in. It’s nice that he’s got that connection with the supporters and it comes from both ways because I know he’s an emotional guy and it means a lot to him.”
Mainoo delivers
Michael Carrick also gave his thoughts on Kobbie Mainoo’s defensive performance on Monday night, April 28, 2026.
“I thought on the back of the Chelsea game, where he was particularly good and showed similar things, with a bit of everything. His build-up play, his taking of the ball, his creation and starting the attacks, he’s so effective with that. But definitely, his duels, his 1v1s, recovery runs and back-tackling – over the last two games he’s taken that up a level. It’s great to see that he can do it. We know that he can do it. We’re trying to give him more responsibility as the games go on. We’re still not expected too much of him and understand and try to help him a bit, but he’s doing great at the moment.” He said.