Following Manchester United’s decisive 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League semifinals at San Mamés Stadium, Ruben Amorim praised Casemiro’s remarkable transformation in a media interview.

Images of the Brazilian star after the final whistle revealed his dramatic physical changes, showcasing his toned muscles and six-pack abs, confirming the Portuguese coach’s admiration. Months earlier, images from training showed significant weight gain, far from the star who won three Champions League titles with Real Madrid.

Casemiro, sidelined in the early months of Amorim’s tenure at Manchester United, has now become a key player, playing a crucial role in the team’s recent European successes.

Amorim said about Casemiro:“Casemiro is an excellent role model. It’s now difficult to leave him out of the lineup. This is a big lesson for all Manchester United players. The past or last month’s performance doesn’t matter; everything can change in a moment.” Casemiro not only scored the first goal with a header but also covered 10.55 kilometers, more than any other player on the pitch.

Last season, under Erik ten Hag, Casemiro faced heavy criticism for mistakes, especially in the 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in May 2024. Early in Amorim’s reign, he had no fixed role.

Between mid-December and early February, he played only 136 minutes and didn’t even come off the bench in nine matches, including the memorable FA Cup win over Arsenal. During this period, he started only in the 2-0 home loss to Newcastle and was substituted after an hour.

With Manuel Ugarte’s injury in mid-March, Amorim was forced to use Casemiro, marking a turning point for the 33-year-old midfielder. The 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad in March marked his return to the starting lineup, and since then, he has been a fixture in all five Europa League knockout matches.

Casemiro played a key role in United’s stunning comeback against Lyon in the quarterfinals and was the star of the match against Bilbao, leading the team on the pitch with a flawless defensive performance (4 tackles and 4 clearances). Amorim praised Casemiro’s efforts to adapt to his demands, stating that he reached the expected level through extra gym sessions.