Manchester United: Casemiro’s terrible loss of speed

With 5 Champions Leagues won with Real Madrid, Casemiro decided to change scenery in the summer of 2022. Leaving the Merengues for the Premier League and Manchester United, the Brazilian defensive midfielder made a risky and daring choice by joining a irregular club and in reconstruction. Ultimately, the decision paid off in this transfer worth more than 70 million euros in the first year. Arriving to bring his experience, Casemiro played 51 matches with his new colors for 7 goals and 6 goals, being especially decisive in the League Cup where he allowed the Red Devils to regain their first trophy since the 2016/2017 season. In the Premier League, his importance was also crucial. Solidifying the midfield, allowing the link between defense and attack, while providing his leadership, he also allowed the Reds Devils to finish in third place and qualify for the Champions League.

From hero to zero…

A perfect start to the romance between Casemiro and Manchester United which suggested a perfect collaboration, especially since the contract of the native of São José dos Campos runs until June 2026. “We are happy to have found him and his contribution is enormous. (…) When he plays, he brings balance to the midfield and we have won a lot of victories with this midfielder. It never ceases to surprise us. He is an excellent football player. We know that he is very good in terms of organization, anticipation, winning duels, fighting and team cohesion, even in possession of the ball, his distribution of passes and his finishing are very important.also released his coach Erik ten Hag in May 2023. Since then, however, the situation has been much less rosy and has become more complicated for Casemiro…

Suffering the full brunt of the complicated start to the season, he seemed to suffer the blow, like his exit at the break against Brentford on October 7 in favor of Christian Eriksen. Erik ten Hag's explanations reflected the end of the honeymoon: “I wanted more football, someone who could provide passing and distribution.” In a Manchester United team where creation in the midfield remains quite complicated, Casemiro, whose profile is more destructive, did not allow these deficiencies to be overcome. And to make matters worse, the Brazilian suffered a long injury which caused him to miss the field until January 28.

An absence that made Manchester United doubt

This long unavailability has also fueled rumors of departure, particularly from Saudi Arabia, in order to afford an XXL contract. Also followed by Juventus and AC Milan, his significant salary and his advanced age mean that Manchester United would not necessarily be reluctant to let him leave if the opportunity arises. Finally staying this winter, he risks seeing his name come up again this summer in the transfer window. Arriving at this observation after only a year and a half for the Mancunians demonstrates a lack of planning which was pointed out by Gary Neville last winter.

“80 million euros for Casemiro on a five-year contract is a lot of money. They shouldn't have signed him. There are many offers you can start looking at with a glass half empty when considering recruiting. Gone are the days when coaches traveled three or four nights a week to observe other players. Ten Hag has been allowed to bring in whoever he wants and this should not happen. There are good players and bad players. They leave the field as a defeated group. United fans will be deeply disappointed.explained the consultant on Sky Sports. The rise in power of Kobbie Mainoo at the same time who has become essential in the midfield has not helped Casemiro's case.

A complicated return

Recovered since the end of January, Casemiro has regained his place in the team. Having become a starter again without being indisputable, the Brazilian regularly supports his young teammate Kobbie Mainoo in the midfield. If he remains useful (24 matches, 5 goals and 3 offerings as well as a valuable slaughter), Casemiro appears less radiant than last year. This is obviously explained by the irregular level of Manchester United this season, but the Brazilian is not exempt from all criticism. His last performance against Liverpool (2-2) did not help matters. Scoring a 5/10 in the Daily Mailhe was especially singled out for a difficult first act: 'was left frighteningly exposed in a one-sided first half for Liverpool. He never managed to take control of the midfield battle as the match progressed. Reserve.”

“A five-time winner of the Champions League, but sometimes we wouldn't have known it. Lost the ball too often”wrote The Telegraph in a sharper way while giving it a 4/10. “He wasted a good headed opportunity trying to pick out a teammate and upset the crowd by knocking the ball out. More careful with the ball in the second half”note the Manchester Evening News who also opted for a 5/10. Far from displaying his best level as the British press has pointed out, he is not, however, judged as the only one responsible for his poor form.

Consultant for Sky SportsGary Neville further criticized his coach Erik ten Hag for his footballing proposal: “There are parts of the team where you wonder what's going on in terms of training during the week and what Ten Hag's instructions are. I can’t believe Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes or Kobbie Mainoo would do this on their own.” Rio Ferdinand also defended the Brazilian: “There are huge spaces when United play at the moment. You look at Casemiro, he is very experienced and has won everything, but even he today looked exposed at times because the spaces are huge. It would be difficult for anyone.” In a complicated pass, Casemiro perfectly symbolizes this gloomy season for the Red Devils.