Casemiro shows true Man United colours with key decision ahead of Man City clash

Casemiro has fired a clear statement to Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim ahead of this weekend's showdown with rivals Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

Man Utd midfielder Casemiro was booked for Brazil against Chile. (Image: Getty Images)

Casemiro has underlined his commitment to Manchester United by making an early return from the international break. The midfielder was called into the latest Brazil squad for clashes with Chile and Bolivia.

After picking up a booking against Chile, he was ineligible to appear for the Selecao against Bolivia in their second game of the gap. But, instead of staying in South America with his international teammates, the 33-year-old opted to return to Manchester instead.

As per The Daily Mail, the veteran midfielder requested his early release - so that he could be back in training with United as soon as possible. And that will be a huge boost to head coach Ruben Amorim as he attempts to prepare his side for this weekend's Manchester derby.

Casemiro is already understood to be back at Carrington. The Brazilian, 33, has been a key member of the squad for Amorim this season, having started in each of the club’s opening three Premier League games.

And the Portuguese head coach has already been full of praise for the former Real Madrid man for adapting to his demands.

Speaking after their opening day defeat to Arsenal, Amorim said: "I think you can see it (improved physicality).

"It is a fact. You can see it in the data.

"With confidence, sometimes you react a little bit sooner. Against Arsenal, you could see the reaction of some of our players for the second balls, the duels. We are stronger, we are recovering our positions faster.

"I remember at least two times when [Martin] Odegaard had the ball - and you could see our players sprinting full power. Even Casemiro!

"And he's at a different pace. In the end we can't control results. But we have to see the game for the small things that we can do better.

"Sometimes we are not going to play as well as we did in the last game. But the consistency of the movements, the intensity, the opportunities, the runs in behind. In all these small things we need to be consistent."

Meanwhile, Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has made his feelings very clear on the midfielder. Speaking during the international break, he said: "Looking for a midfielder with Casemiro's characteristics is impossible.

"There's no other Brazilian player who has the same characteristics as Casemiro.

"But we have other players who can play in that position with different characteristics."

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