Casemiro's Bold Request to Ancelotti for Neymar's Role

Casemiro is walking away from Manchester United with no regrets and one big request for the man who helped define his career.

He is leaving Old Trafford this summer, adamant there will be no late twist, and already has his eyes locked on the World Cup with Brazil – and on Carlo Ancelotti, the coach he calls a friend, mentor and the best of his era.

What he wants from Ancelotti is simple: take Neymar.

Casemiro’s Neymar demand

Neymar has not kicked a ball for Brazil since a devastating rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee two-and-a-half years ago. The country’s record goalscorer then needed minor surgery on the same knee late last year, followed by another procedure during the March international break.

His club career has been just as turbulent. Neymar left Al-Hilal almost 18 months ago, returned to his first love at Santos and has only recently pieced together form and fitness. Now, just days before Ancelotti names his Brazil squad, he has strung together goals in back-to-back games and, crucially, minutes in his legs.

Casemiro doesn’t see a luxury player. He sees a weapon.

Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel, the midfielder laid out exactly how he believes Ancelotti should use the 34-year-old.

“My decision, yes, but (the) decision you need to (make) first is (tell him), ‘hey, Neymar, you don't play every game,’” Casemiro said, suggesting a new, more targeted role for the forward.

“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 cut in: “He could change the game.”

Casemiro did not hesitate: “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.”

In Casemiro’s eyes, Brazil lack that one player who can flip a knockout tie with a single touch. Neymar, even in this later, patched-up version, remains that figure.

A bond built in Madrid

Casemiro speaks about Ancelotti with a warmth rarely heard from modern players when discussing their coaches. This is not just professional respect; it is personal.

When Ancelotti returned to the Brazil set-up last year, he brought Casemiro back into the fold after a spell in the wilderness similar to Neymar’s own absence. That gesture clearly resonated.

“I have good, very good feelings with him,” Casemiro told Ferdinand. “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 makes the Italian so “special” among elite coaches, Casemiro went straight to the human side of the job.

“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.”

That understanding could now be tested in the biggest way: whether to risk a 34-year-old Neymar, fresh off serious knee problems, at a World Cup – but with the promise of game-changing genius from the bench.

No U-turn at Old Trafford

While he pushes for Neymar’s inclusion, Casemiro is equally clear about his own future. There will be no late reconciliation with Manchester United, no emotional appeal from the stands to sway him.

He has already decided. And he is sticking to it.

As a free agent this summer, the 34-year-old will be able to choose his next manager and project with the same care he once chose his battles in midfield. His stance on leaving United has been consistent since the start of the calendar year, and he underlined it again in an interview with ESPN.

“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,” he explained.

“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.”

No hint of doubt. No opening for negotiation. Just a veteran determined to control the final chapters of his European career and to protect the image he leaves behind.

The next move will be his. The next big call belongs to Ancelotti. And somewhere in between, Neymar waits to discover whether Brazil still believe he can be their spark on the biggest stage of all.