Manchester United fans are baffled at how Casemiro looked less composed in the heart of midfield than teenage sensation Kobbie Mainoo after his performance against Luton Town.
Erik ten Hag started Casemiro alongside Kobbie Mainoo, who has had a breakthrough season at Old Trafford, for the Premier League clash at Kenilworth Road on Sunday.
Casemiro was widely hailed for his impact at Old Trafford during his debut season at Manchester United, but the former Real Madrid man has faced criticism this season.
The 31-year-old Brazilian midfielder has had to contend with injuries in the current campaign, but Casemiro’s influence in midfield has waned for Ten Hag’s men.
Ten Hag has preferred to deploy Casemiro alongside Mainoo and recently claimed the Brazil international could help push along the United teenager’s development.
But United fans feel completely different to what the Dutchman expressed after Mainoo ‘showed up’ Casemiro and his United teammates with his performance.
READ MORE: Man Utd fans have a lot to say about Andre Onana after performance vs Luton Town
Casemiro and Mainoo for Man Utd vs Luton
Rasmus Hojlund fired Manchester United into the lead at Kenilworth Road in the first minute before the Denmark striker doubled his side’s advantage six minutes later.
The Red Devils started off strong against Luton Town, but Carlton Morris managed to pull one back for his side in the 14th minute after he nodded past Andre Onana.
Casemiro failed to impress United fans in the first half and the Brazil midfielder picked up a booking, with the Red Devils star appearing a shadow of his former self.
Fortunately for Erik ten Hag, Casemiro avoided a potential second booking in the first half and the United boss had seen enough from his disappointing performance.
Casemiro was withdrawn at half-time and Scott McTominay came on for the second half, while Kobbie Mainoo saw out the full 90 minutes against Luton Town.
Mainoo, much like Casemiro, was booked in the Premier League contest, but the 18-year-old once again exhibited another solid display for United in the 2-1 win.
United fans on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, felt that Mainoo’s performance showed why he is the Premier League club’s best midfield option.
Other supporters added that Mainoo “carried” the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro in the match and appeared the “most experienced” on the pitch.
Man Utd fans react to Casemiro and Mainoo
One fan posted: “Casemiro shouldn’t be starting anymore. How is 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo more composed than him?”
“Can’t believe we have Bruno, Casemiro, [Christian] Eriksen and [Mason] Mount in our team but Mainoo has been our best midfielder this season,” a second added.
Another said: “Mainoo playing with Casemiro and Bruno and it looks like he’s the most experienced one on the field.”
“Can’t believe Mainoo is the only midfielder on the pitch who shows how to control a [match],” someone else commented.
A fifth tweeted: “Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes being carried by a [young] Kobbie Mainoo, absolutely embarrassing.”
While another wrote: “Bruno [has] been very poor, Casemiro [is] isolated and sloppy. Mainoo [is the] only player on the pitch who looks composed and like he wants to keep the ball.”
And a seventh posted: “Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro look like kids playing next to Mainoo.”
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