Casemiro's plea to 'special' boss after confirming chances of Man Utd exit U-turn
Outgoing Manchester United midfielder Casemiro is urging Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti to include Neymar in his World Cup squad because he could be the country's match-winning spark this summer. Neymar, 34, has been absent from international duty since rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee two-and-a-half years ago.The country's record goalscorer required minor surgery on the same knee late last year. He also underwent a further procedure in that same area during the most recent international break in March.Neymar left Al-Hilal almost 18 months ago. He has returned to his boyhood club, Santos, and rediscovered form and fitness.The forward has goals in back-to-back games just days before Ancelotti is due to announce his Brazil squad. Casemiro is in no doubt about Neymar's value to the national team.Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube Channel, he said: "My decision, yes, but (the) decision you need to (make) first is (tell him), 'hey, Neymar, you don't play every game.'READ MORE: Barcelona and Man Utd 'negotiating' over just one aspect of Marcus Rashford transferREAD MORE: Rio Ferdinand confirms the England team-mate he 'hated' - 'I didn't really like him'FOLLOW OUR MAN UTD FB PAGE! Latest United news and more on our dedicated Facebook page"He plays every game. For me, it's not perfect for him, I think he comes, and the game is not finished, the game is new, new. And (contributing) a special assist, a special goal is (the role) for him."Ferdinand added: "He could change the game," and Casemiro agreed: "Yeah, change the game, and we don't have this player in this moment, we don't have, so, for me, in my opinion (yes), but it's Ancelotti's decision."When asked about the significance of his bond with his former Real Madrid boss, who brought the United star back into the international fold last year after being out of the picture for as long as Neymar, Casemiro said: "I have good, very good feelings with him."He's my friend, he's my friend. I know what he likes, what he doesn't like, I know everything. I've known Ancelotti for a long time, he's (been) my friend for a long time, so I know sometimes I push here, I don't push here, I know everything about Ancelotti."Ancelotti is in the top three in the world. In the last 15 years, he's (been) the best. He's the best, so Ancelotti is not just my manager, he's my friend."Pressed on what sets the 'special' Italian apart from his peers within coaching circles, Casemiro elaborated to Ferdinand: "For me, the first thing is (that) he talks about what the players like to lose. You know? What the players like."'I give you one thing, you give me this'. But it's impossible to win with just a good manager, you need a good tactic, tactical."You need to know about this; it's impossible to have just one good thing. For winning trophies, you need everything, but for me, the best thing is a very good manager, he understands the players."As a free agent this summer, Casemiro will have the luxury of choosing his next manager carefully. He made his position on departing Manchester crystal clear earlier this month, having announced the decision at the start of the calendar year.The 34-year-old told ESPN that there is absolutely no possibility of him having a change of heart and remaining at the club. Casemiro said: "I don't think there's a chance, there's no chance, mostly because of what I said, you know? Go out the big door."I think it was four beautiful, wonderful years, and I am eternally grateful not only to the club, but to the fans, but I think I have to leave on good terms, I have to go out on top. I will be an eternal United fan here in England, and I just have to thank all the love from the fans."Join our new WhatsApp community! Click this link to 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 our Privacy Notice.Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV packageThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn moreSky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
