Casemiro says there’s a distinction in mentality between Actual Madrid and Manchester United with the latter having to “adapt and develop” to succeed in the identical ranges because the Spanish giants.
The Brazil midfielder joined United from Madrid in August 2022 however, after impressing initially, has appeared a pale imitation of the participant that received three La Ligas and 5 Champions League titles on the Santiago Bernabéu.
He began as United misplaced 1-0 to Tottenham yesterday, a consequence that leaves Ruben Amorim’s males mired in fifteenth place within the Premier League within the midst of a run of six wins of their final 15 video games in all competitions.
Defeat in north London.#MUFC || #TOTMUN
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 16, 2025
Requested if the mentality was the identical at United because it was in Madrid, the 32-year-old instructed AS: “After all, there’s a distinction. Actual Madrid has a really sturdy successful mentality ingrained in its historical past. The tradition is all about reaching greatness, about being the very best.
“Manchester United additionally has a wealthy historical past and unbelievable followers, however Actual Madrid is constructed to win Champions League titles persistently. At United, there’s an plain drive, however it takes a bit extra time to return to that degree of European dominance. It’s about adapting and rising to succeed in these heights as soon as once more. Nonetheless, the dedication and professionalism are the identical.”
Casemiro nonetheless hopeful of ending season with a trophy
United stay within the Europa League and FA Cup, a title they received final season, and Casemiro says trophies are nonetheless the ambition this 12 months.
“No, it’s not [the same club it was 20 years ago] however it’s nonetheless a giant membership,” he added. “It’s going via a transition, like each crew does at sure factors of their historical past.
“After I arrived, I noticed the eagerness of the followers, and that was one thing that touched me deeply. We would not be in the identical interval of dominance as in earlier a long time, however Manchester United has all the time been a crew that fights and stands for one thing. It’s a giant problem, and we’ll maintain combating for trophies, identical to we did final season.”
Brazilian not shocked by Madrid’s Etihad comeback
Madrid are nonetheless on this season’s Champions League and maintain a 3-2 benefit over Manchester Metropolis forward of the second leg of their knockout section playoff sport on the Bernabéu on Wednesday night time.
Carlo Ancelotti’s males had been trailing 2-1 on the Etihad final week earlier than two late targets noticed them flip the tie round.
Casemiro stated: “It wasn’t a shock for me. Madrid does that nearly on a regular basis, and everybody is aware of the historical past of this crew and what they’re able to.
“Madrid all the time performs till the tip and by no means offers up. Even when shedding 2-1, I knew there was nonetheless loads of the sport left to play. And that’s with Metropolis and an ideal coach like [Pep] Guardiola. However they did it.
“Now, the return will probably be on the Bernabéu with an ideal consequence from the 3-2. But it surely’s not going to be simple. With Guardiola, they’re sturdy, however the Bernabéu on these Champions League nights could be very particular. I want all of the luck on the planet to my former teammates, not solely due to my rivalry with Metropolis, however largely for Madrid. Hopefully, they’ll make it to the knockout levels.”