Casemiro breaks his silence on his lack of playing time with a powerful statement

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has hit back at his critics, insisting he is still one of the best midfielders in the world. The Brazilian, who joined United from Real Madrid in a high-profile move last summer, has struggled for form in recent months.

Speaking in an exclusive interview, Casemiro said: "My first season at United was the best of my career. Not at a collective level, but individually. I think Old Trafford saw the best Casemiro in my first season at the club."

The former Real Madrid star has been a peripheral figure under new manager Rubén Amorim, with the Portuguese opting for a different midfield setup. Casemiro has found himself in and out of the team, and his performances have been below his usual high standards.

A Difficult Season

Casemiro has cited a number of reasons for his struggles this season, including injuries and a change in his role within the team. "At the beginning of the season, I won the player of the month award. Then I suffered a serious injury, I came back and got injured again. Now I'm playing as a centre-back. It's difficult, we've had injuries, the coach has never had all 25 players available. For the club, it's very difficult," he said.

The Brazilian has also hit back at critics who have questioned his commitment and work rate. "Last season I was one of the best signings in the Premier League, now I'm worth nothing? The criticism has been disrespectful, so when I'm disrespected I think it's not right. That's when I lose respect for those people," he said.

A Fightback

Despite his struggles, Casemiro remains confident in his ability to turn things around. "I've always been very calm with criticism. When it's constructive criticism it's welcome. In football, when you've been at the top level for ten years, if you drop your level a bit the criticism will come, but the moment they disrespect me, I think it's not right. That's when I lose respect for those people," he added.