Casemiro confirmed as Brazil’s captain for clash against Morocco

Casemiro will captain Brazil in their clash with Morocco on Saturday night, it has been confirmed.

The midfielder has been earmarked throughout his career for his leadership qualities and has been rewarded with one of the most prestigious roles in world football.

Ramon Menezes, the country’s interim boss as they search for a permanent replacement for Tite, who departed following their disappointing World Cup exit, has entrusted the midfielder with the job.

It comes following Thiago Silva‘s absence from this month’s squad after he sustained an ankle injury playing for Chelsea last month.

‘There are several ways of thinking,’ said Casemiro at a press conference.

Casemiro is due to be handed the captain’s armband in Brazil’s friendly against Morocco

Interim head coach Ramon Menezes was appointed following the exit of Tite in late 2022

‘We had Thiago Silva [as captain] in the World Cup but, on my part, I feel prepared. I prepared myself for this and I am thankful for the trust.

‘If it’s another captain, no problem because I know I am one of the leaders and I have complete freedom to speak as a captain before the group.’

Menezes has named a new-look Brazil squad for the friendly against Morocco, with the 31-year-old midfielder the oldest outfield player named in the squad which includes Chelsea’s new recruit, teenager Andrey Santos.

United boss Ten Hag will cast a watchful eye over Casemiro’s performance, with question marks hanging over Bruno Fernandes’ suitability in the role.

Harry Maguire has held the United captaincy since January 2020, and was allowed to keep the armband after Ten Hag’s arrival over the summer despite a patchy 2021/22 campaign. 

But he is a rarely-used option in United’s back-line, and amidst reports that the former Leicester player might move on in the upcoming transfer window, the Dutch manager may look for greater stability in the leadership role. 

Bruno Fernandes has taken up the mantle most often when Maguire isn’t on the pitch, but has yet to convince that he has the necessary qualities for captaincy. 

The Portuguese international was most recently embroiled in controversy over his conduct in United’s humiliating 7-0 defeat against Liverpool at Anfield. 

Sportsmail columnist Chris Sutton called for the player to be stripped of his captaincy  after a day to forget. 

Brazil were eliminated on penalties in the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Qatar

Thiago Silva remains sidelined after sustaining an ankle injury while in action for Chelsea

The midfielder has been a standout signing for United since his arrival over the summer

Watching how Casemiro takes up responsibilities against the north African side, who became the first African and Arab nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals in the tournament’s history in December, could be a turning point for Ten Hag. 

United’s summer signing has impressed since his move to Old Trafford, becoming a undroppable talisman for Ten Hag’s ascendant side and one of the Red Devils’ players of the season. 

Ten Hag’s faith in Casemiro was tested as he named the player to start against Real Betis in their Europa League second-leg tie last week, despite the risk of him picking up a ban. 

But Casemiro put in a commanding and unblemished performance before being substituted in the second half as United cruised to a 1-0 victory that earned them a spot in the quarter-finals.