Frank Christian
When Casemiro joined Manchester United in 2022, expectations were extremely high. After a stellar time at Real Madrid, he was regarded as one of the top defensive midfielders globally. However, his second season in the Premier League has been disappointing.
So far this season, Casemiro has made two major mistakes that resulted in goals, placing him among the most error-prone outfield players, sharing the dubious distinction with Aston Villa’s Diego Carlos and others.
These errors have left fans and analysts closely examining his performances, increasing pressure on him.
Challenges Ahead for Ruben Amorim
Newly appointed Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is facing a dilemma with Casemiro. Renowned for his strategic approach, the Portuguese coach must reconsider using a player with a fragile form for his starting eleven against Ipswich Town on November 24.
Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 formation necessitates midfielders who can maintain possession and shield the defense. Casemiro’s lapses in focus, particularly illustrated by costly errors like those in the 3-0 defeat against Liverpool, put his role under question.
Nonetheless, there is potential for the 32-year-old. During Ruud van Nistelrooy’s temporary management, Casemiro regained his place and showed improvement. Amorim may view him as a trustworthy player, provided he can rectify his mistakes.
Goalkeepers under scrutiny
Casemiro is not alone in facing criticism. Among Premier League goalkeepers, Ipswich’s Arijanet Muric and Chelsea’s Robert Sanchez have each recorded three errors.
Sanchez has particularly frustrated Chelsea supporters. His recent blunders, like failing to deal with a corner and a careless pass that led to a Brighton goal, have raised questions about his dependability.
Additionally, Newcastle’s Nick Pope and Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen have both made two errors, highlighting a challenging season for players in critical positions.
The larger context
Casemiro’s difficulties mirror the larger issues plaguing Manchester United. Acquired for £70 million, he was anticipated to stabilize the midfield for the long term. Instead, his erratic performances reveal the team’s urgent need for consistency as Amorim embarks on his new role.
For Casemiro, the pressure is mounting. If he can cut down on mistakes, he might still be an asset for United. Failing that, Amorim may need to explore other options for team improvement.
