Man United didn’t have any good performers against Liverpool yesterday, but Casemiro certainly epitomised everything bad about our play.
Manchester United were jolted right back down to reality at Old Trafford yesterday. The Red Devils were battered for 90 minutes against the old enemy, Liverpool. Arne Slot’s men more than deserved the win, with Erik ten Hag’s side looking second best.
No one player epitomised the result more than Casemiro. After a bright start to the season against Manchester City in the Community Shield, the Brazilian looked lost out there on Sunday. It truly was a sad sight, given the fact he is one of the most accomplished footballers in the history of the game…
The fact Casemiro was hooked at half-time tells half the story, though the performance itself was one of the worst I’ve genuinely ever seen. I’m just gutted for the player more than anyone else.
The fact he lost possession thirteen times in 45 minutes is a sad indictment of Casemiro’s afternoon, while the defensive midfielder also won just 40% of his ground duels. He was also credited with one error leading to a goal, though I’d go as far as saying he was at fault for two.
After making the mistakes, Casemiro’s confidence was completely gone. There was no way he was coming out for the second half as he looked a shadow of his former self. Hopefully, he can stay mentally tough and bounce back against Southampton in a fortnight.
Check out the damning Casemiro stats via Statman Dave here:
Casemiro’s game by numbers vs. Liverpool:
73% pass accuracy
40% ground duels won
20% long pass accuracy
13 x possession lost
2 x dribbled past
1 error leading to goal
0 chances created
0 fouls won
0 shots🫥🫥🫥 pic.twitter.com/AchFbvCXIk
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) September 1, 2024
We have to be realistic about what the future holds for Casemiro. He’s 32 now and no longer able to get about the pitch as he once did. It’s up to United to help him out in that regard and not leave him so isolated – particularly in big matches like Liverpool games.
It’s why Manuel Ugarte has been signed. The man from Uruguay is far more mobile and energetic, while he is a true defensive midfielder, unlike Case who I still believe is better slightly higher up the field.
The worst part is that Casemiro now has a fortnight to stew on his performance. That can be mentally draining, though he does have a good support unit around him with his wife leaping to his defence on social media. Hopefully, they can aid him through this tough time.
Do you think Casemiro still has what it takes to play at the highest level? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.
Follow Old Trafford Faithful on Twitter for more Manchester United news and views.
