Man Utd fans in disbelief after seeing Casemiro's body transformation on return to pre-season training

Casemiro made a much-talked-about return to Carrington this week as a second group of Manchester United players reported for pre-season training.

Ruben Amorim and his backroom staff are working hard on the training ground ahead of United's first pre-season friendly against Premier League new boys Leeds United on Saturday, July 19.

Altay Bayindir, Diogo Dalot, Patrick Dorgu, Bruno Fernandes, Rasmus Hojlund, Chido Obi and Manuel Ugarte all arrived at Carrington on Thursday alongside Casemiro.

The midfielder was one of United's standout performers towards the end of last season.

In fact, despite United recording their lowest finish in Premier League history, he deemed the 2024/25 campaign one of his "most successful" after earning the trust of head coach Ruben Amorim.

"This year has been one of the most important years of my career, if not the most," he said.

"That's my great success. Everyone wants to talk about titles, victories and big games, but when you don't play and you manage to change the mind of a coach who arrives and doesn't play you."

Casemiro added: "You end up coming back, and now you're being praised by the coach who at first practically didn't count on you. It was one of my most successful years."

As mentioned above, Amorim heaped praise on Casemiro after the Brazilian fought his way back into the starting XI.

“He has improved a lot, not just the way he plays, but the way he runs,” Amorim said in May. "It’s a lesson for all the players at Manchester United. No matter what is the past or what happened in the last month, everything can change in one moment.”

Fans react to Casemiro's transformation on return to pre-season training

Back in May, a report from the Manchester Evening News suggested United sources have been struck by how leaner Casemiro is of late.

And on Thursday, the midfielder looked in peak physical condition as he joined his teammates in the Carrington gym.

One fan commented on the pictures, saying: "I doubt Casemiro been more fit in his career, he is serious about next season."

A second wrote: "Maybe we’ll see the “don’t mess with me” Casemiro this season. His response to all the criticism has been amazing . True professionalism and hard work. A true leader in the dressing room."

A third said: "Casemiro looks ready for next season," and a fourth commented: "Ready to prove everyone wrong."

A fifth added: "On what kind of diet did Ruben put these guys on? Casemiro looks 10 years younger."

United will begin their pre-season preparations for 2025/26 with a friendly against Leeds in Sweden on July 19. A tour of the United States will then commence, which features three games as part of the Premier League Summer Series.

They will face West Ham, Bournemouth and Everton.