Why has Casemiro been so bad for Manchester United this season?

Few supporters would have complained if Casemiro had been withdrawn at half-time in Manchester United’s calamitous 4-0 defeat by Crystal Palace. The Brazilian struggled badly throughout the match at Selhurst Park and while United as a whole failed to perform, Casemiro was the player who looked the best out of his depth.

This was somewhat remarkable given Casemiro’s record at the elite level of football. He is considered one of the best defensive midfielders of all time. At Real Madrid, the Brazilian won everything, including five Champions League titles. Even last season, Casemiro was a factor in Manchester United finishing third in the Premier League
premier
Ranking.

It’s been a very different story this season. Manchester United are down to eighth place with just three games of the 2023/24 campaign left to play. It is entirely possible that Erik ten Hag’s side will miss out on European qualification altogether, highlighting how badly they have regressed throughout the season.

While Casemiro was once the player who held United together in the center of the pitch, he is now one of their weakest performers. He had lacked energy and intensity for months. His touch seems to have deserted him and his decision making was reckless. Casemiro has been a shadow of himself this season.

Part of that is down to the position Casemiro was asked to play with the Brazilian deployed at centre-back against Crystal Palace. Injuries stretched Manchester United’s defensive ranks and ten Hag had no choice but to push Casemiro behind him despite being much more comfortable in central midfield.

Even when playing in central midfield, Casemiro looked the pace. He struggled with the pace and directness of the Premier League, when the slower pace of La Liga would have allowed him to mask some of his fading physicality. In an ailing team, there was nowhere for the 32-year-old to hide.

Of course, Casemiro wasn’t the central midfielder the Hag wanted when he arrived at Manchester United two summers ago. The Dutchman has made Frenkie de Jong his top target but has been unable to convince the Barcelona man to move to Old Trafford. Signing Casemiro was a contingency plan that ultimately didn’t work.

Manchester United face a crossroads this summer, with ten Hag fighting for his future at the club. Regardless of whether the Dutchman is still at Old Trafford for the start of next season, however, Casemiro must be pushed out the exit door. If United are to be successful in the future, they cannot rely on yesterday’s man.