Manchester United ace Casemiro responds to Jamie Carragher criticism and gives transfer hint

Manchester United midfield enforcer Casemiro has said that he is "always very calm" when it comes to criticism.

Following an outstanding maiden season at Old Trafford last term, the Brazilian has regressed this season. His performance levels have nosedived, resulting in him facing a wealth of criticism, particularly from pundits.

Among those who have been most critical of the former Real Madrid man is Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher, who has regularly questioned his ability to play at the highest level anymore. He raised concerns about his decline as far back as October, claiming that his "legs have gone".

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The Brazilian, who turned 32 in February, has not been as sharp as he was last season, failing to provide the control and bite in midfield he so often produced last season. Nevertheless, Casemiro insists he is wise enough and experienced enough to block out such scathing assessments.

"It's hard, especially when it's not an analysis of the whole situation," Casemiro told Sky Sports. "At the start of the season, I got the trophy of best player of the month, elected by the fans here.

"Right after that I picked up an injury, a big injury. Came back, then the injury returned, now playing as a centre-back. It is hard - this is a wider analysis, I'm giving you more ample analysis.

"Injured players. I think never at any point of the season the manager had like 25 senior players available. So not only for me, for the players, but also for the manager it's very challenging. For the club it's very challenging.

"But criticism is a part of football. And I'm always very calm, especially with the criticism. When it's constructive criticism, it's always welcomed. Especially in football, when you've been playing high level for 10 years and you drop your level a little, the criticism is going to come, criticism is always going to come."

Ahead of this summer's transfer window and an expected summer of upheaval at Old Trafford, Casemiro is being heavily linked with the prospect of an exit, with Saudi Arabia being touted as a possible destination. However, he insists he is currently happy at Old Trafford.

The Brazilian added: "I'm well, I'm happy, living every day I get to play here. As I usually say, Manchester United gave me what I wanted.

"This joy of being able to enjoy the game, enjoy the Premier League. So, I'm happy to be here at Manchester United and enjoying the game."