Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has endured a difficult second season in the Premier League and things have now gone from bad to worse for the Brazil international
Brazil boss Dorival Junior has once again overlooked Casemiro despite being permitted to call up three additional players for his Copa America squad.
Manchester United midfielder Casemiro was among the big names left out of the initial 23-man squad for this summer's tournament in the United States, after a tough club season. The permitted squad size has now been increased to 26, but there's still no place for the 32-year-old.
Interestingly, the central midfield berths include spots for a former Manchester United player and a man who has been linked with an Old Trafford move. Fulham's ex-United midfielder Andreas Pereira was included in Dorival Junior's initial squad, while Atalanta star Ederson - a potential summer target for Erik ten Hag - is among the new additions.
Juventus defender Bremer has also been called up, along with Porto winger Pepe, with Sao Paulo's Rafael taking the place of injured Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson. Casemiro's latest snub comes after he hit back angrily at suggestions he was finished at the highest level.
"I feel very well, very well," Casemiro told Sky Sports ahead of Manchester United's final game of the season. "I’m really well, I feel healthy, with energy and the same mentality I always had. I guess people end up talking about the age factor, but it’s been proven. Recently, our friend Thiago Silva, at the age of 39 coming here and showing that, yes, you can play. The previous Ballon d’Or winners were over 34.
"At Man City, there’s Kevin De Bruyne. [Mohamed] Salah at Liverpool. I think age is not an issue, it is not a factor in this, but analysing one’s game and knowing about everything that is happening around the game.
"These are people who analyse football well, who see what’s happening, who know what’s happening, analysing not the age. But I’m well, I’m happy, living every day I get to play here. As I usually say, Manchester United gave me what I wanted. This joy of being able to enjoy the game, enjoy the Premier League. So, I’m happy to be here at Manchester United and enjoying the game."
Should Manchester United cash in on Casemiro this summer? Have your say in the comments section
Casemiro started at centre-back once more for the final match of the league season, with Lisandro Martinez returning from injury to partner his fellow South American. United kept their first clean sheet in more than two months, with goals from Diogo Dalot and Rasmus Hojlund sealing a 2-0 victory, though a win for Newcastle at Brentford meant Erik ten Hag's side still finished eighth.
"It is not good enough by far," Ten Hag told Match of the Day when reflecting on his team's campaign. "Although we had less than 60 points two years ago, 58 points, eighth is the worst performance.
"It is the truth but we should have done better. We knows the reasons behind, everyone knows, but it is not the right moment to go into it. It’s not good enough."
DON'T SCRAP REPLAYS!Join our petition to keep the magic of the FA Cup alive!
Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read ourPrivacy Notice.
Sign up to our newsletter! Wrexham is the Game is great new way to get top-class coverage
Wrexham AFC is the arguably the fastest-growing club in the world at the moment thanks to a certain Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
The Red Dragons have achieved two consecutive promotions and are cheered on by sell-out crowds from not only North Wales but also from all over the globe, thanks to the success of the Disney+ documentary 'Welcome to Wrexham'.
But does it have a dedicated, quality source of information piped through to your inbox each week, free of ads but packed with informed opinion, analysis and even a little bit of fun each week? That's where Wrexham is the Game steps in...
Available every Wednesday, it provides all the insights you need to be a top red. And for a limited time, a subscription to 'Wrexham is the Game' will cost fans just £15 for the first year.
Sign up for Wrexham is the Game here
