Why Casemiro holds the key in the Europa League final

As Manchester United prepares to face Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final, one man has emerged as the cornerstone of their campaign: Casemiro.

The experienced Brazilian midfielder, who had a shaky start to the season, is now being hailed as the key to United’s hopes of lifting silverware.

At the beginning of the season, Casemiro’s role under new manager Ruben Amorim seemed uncertain. Left out of early starting lineups and surrounded by speculation about his future, many thought his time at Old Trafford was nearing its end.

But instead of fading out, Casemiro rose to the challenge.

He fought back into the squad and delivered consistent, high-impact performances in domestic and European competitions.

His standout moments have come in the Europa League.

Casemiro scored critical goals in both legs of the semifinal against Athletic Club, showing his big-match mentality and ability to influence games beyond his defensive duties.

His leadership on and off the pitch has brought much-needed stability to a team struggling for consistency.

Manchester United’s league form has been underwhelming, but in Europe, Casemiro has been a symbol of resilience.

With Tottenham set to miss key midfielders due to injury, Casemiro’s experience and ability to control the tempo could be the difference-maker in the final.

Beyond the pitch, the stakes are immense. Winning the Europa League would secure a Champions League spot for next season and offer a significant financial boost to the club.

It would also unlock bonuses for players, including a pay rise for Casemiro, reportedly increasing his weekly wage to £375,000 (Sh48.5 million).

For Casemiro, this season has been about proving himself once again—rising from doubt, carrying the team when it mattered most, and stepping into the final as a symbol of grit, leadership, and world-class talent.

In a season full of ups and downs, he may just be the one to guide Manchester United back to glory.