The expectation heading into the summer transfer window was that Manchester United would part ways with Casemiro after almost two years at the club.
However, failure to find a suitor for the Brazilian means Erik ten Hag is entering the 2024/2025 term with Casemiro as one of his primary midfield options to partner Kobbie Mainoo, who frequently outperformed his senior counterpart last term.
Alas, the 32-year-old has spent the entire pre-season with United due to his omission from Brazil’s Copa America squad and, as such, has started all of the Reds’ fixtures both before and during their tour of the United States.
Read more: Journo taken aback by ‘crazy’ Ten Hag decision that ‘emphasises’ how alarming their situation is
Time for Casemiro to be replaced
He came under fire last time out for overseeing a particularly woeful shift in the 3-0 defeat to Liverpool. For Fabio Carvalho’s opening goal, Casemiro was sat down by the youngster after a quick feint and turn, from which he was able to make enough space to get his shot away and score. (Footage courtesy of ESPN.)
Fabio Carvalho with a STUNNING finish to put Liverpool ahead of Man United 🔥 pic.twitter.com/MVHnoiDtv7
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 3, 2024
Fans were quick to react on social media, questioning whether the veteran still had the capability to occupy a starting role throughout the course of a season.
I actually can’t believe after watching last season that we haven’t managed to sell Casemiro.
Watching that performance last night too, we have to move him on ASAP somehow. This guy was one of the best in his position at one time but he’s just not good enough anymore sadly.
— 𝗧𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝗮𝗴’𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘀 ✍🏼🇳🇱 (@TenHagBall_) August 4, 2024
Casemiro is actually finished
There’s no redemption
He needs to call himself to order and leave the game now, not all players play till their late 30s.
— Some Guy -🌴 (@ElvisCyril_) August 4, 2024
Btw Casemiro CANNOT start for us next season, he’s awful. I’m not hating cos I do like him but he’s so so bad
— jαck. (@UtdOptimist) August 4, 2024
We didn’t even play bad. Casemiro is just playing against us
— • (@olawale2_) August 4, 2024