Casemiro is still a key part of Manchester United’s midfield set up heading into next season. And this was not what we expected.
When Manchester United signed Casemiro in 2022, there was an element of concerns his arrival could mirror Bastian Schweinsteiger’s. A top class player, signed for the club simply too late.
An excellent first season suggested there was no reason to panic. But last season Casemiro’s decline was very evident.
Casemiro was left out of the Brazil squad for the Copa America, which has at least meant he has had a full pre-season with Manchester United.
We had expected, however, that by now, Casemiro might have already been sold to the Saudi Pro League. No offers have so far been forthcoming.
Casemiro performances in pre-season show reason to be concerned
Speaking before Manchester United’s pre-season game against Liverpool, former Manchester United striker Andy Cole spoke positively about Casemiro.
He told MUTV: “He looks well he’s lost a bit of weight, he looks like ‘I’m really up for this season, I’m going to prove people wrong.”
What followed was another performance where Casemiro simply proved his doubters right, with another poor performance.
One of the worrying traits Casemiro displayed last season, was his desire to dive in. This was exactly what he did for Liverpool’s opener, where his desperate attempt at a tackle was easily evaded, allowing Fabio Carvalho the chance to shoot.
We saw this in United’s opening pre-season game against Rosenborg. Casemiro went diving in to try and block a shot, and completely missed everything.
United lacked control with Casemiro in midfield last season, and the best performance of the season came in the FA Cup Final, which he was absent for.
Manchester United fans are worried about Casemiro and rightfully so. This feels like a position which needs an upgrade next season, not a hopeful re-tread.
What Erik ten Hag has said about Casemiro
Erik ten Hag still retains faith in Casemiro, publicly. The Brazilian has started all five of Manchester United’s pre-season matches.
Ten Hag told The Athletic: “He is a very important player. He is a leader and he can make a difference for our team.
“All the players who are there, if they want to play for us, want to play for the badge. And they have the quality. Then, I hope they keep contributing to our team.
“We have seen that Casemiro in his career is so successful. In the previous season, he was so important to achieve all the success we had there.
“When he is on this level, he is a very impactful player for us.”
Manchester United supporters hope Ten Hag is right. But what we have seen in pre-season is not very encouraging.
At the very least, we have seen Casemiro needs more help, and with the transfer window still open, there is still time to act.
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