Manchester United midfielder Casemiro returned from injury against Newcastle but looked a shadow of his former self. Now he has picked up another one.
When you think back to Manchester United’s memorable win over Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final, the dominant performance from Casemiro really stands out.
The Brazilian was unstoppable defensively as he shielded the back four, winning every ball, and scored the opening goal with a header. It was an outstanding display on the big stage.
But it feels like a really long time ago now. He has been trending downwards all season, and this was underlined with his poor display in the home exit from the Carabao Cup against Newcastle last night, with Manchester United losing 3-0 at Old Trafford, relinquishing the trophy with a whimper.
Casemiro so poor against Newcastle, and is now injured again
Casemiro was making his return from injury, and perhaps you can cut him some slack. He certainly did not look fresh or rejuvenated at all.
He was substituted at half-time, and this was the second game in a row this has happened, following his hooking after 45 minutes against Brentford before the international break.
This time it was because he has picked up another injury. PA’s Simon Peach wrote that it could cause him to miss the weekend game against Fulham.
So now Manchester United are left with an underperforming player who is also becoming an injured one. Is this simply a repercussion of too much football over the past year? Quite possibly.
On the pitch against Newcastle he was a shell of the player who shone at Wembley. During his first half he completed a low 75 per cent of his passes, attempting one shot at goal, and notably failing to win a single tackle.
Meanwhile he committed two fouls and picked up a booking, and while Erik ten Hag was forced into the change by injury, it would have been perfectly believable if he was taken off for performance reasons.
Was Casemiro rushed back too soon
It was a little surprising Hannibal Mejbri re-emerge at half-time and Casemiro was the one who was taken off. The injury development clarifies the reason for this, with Hannibal given a brief reprieve.
Hannibal began the game looking like a ‘walking red card’, and was lucky to get through the first 20 minutes, let alone the half. He was eventually taken off in the 65th minute.
Casemiro first and foremost needs to get back to fitness. This is not the first case of Manchester United bringing a player back from injury, only for him to suffer a setback. Lisandro Martinez is a recent case in point, he is now sidelined until 2024.
The severity of Casemiro’s injury is unclear, we just hope there was no serious damage done. One way or another, he needs a proper rest, to get back to the player who shone on the big stage at Wembley back in February. From that superb high, to this low, it has been a tough fall for all concerned.
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