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With things looking anything but good on the pitch at Manchester United, we look at some of the significant issues, with Casemiro coming under fire in recent weeks, on and off-the-field issues, and Roy Keane’s thoughts on the state of the club.
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Is Casemiro next to the Chopping Block this summer?
Things haven’t been great for Manchester United in recent weeks and all season, really. After a fantastic season last year, many thought this year would be the start of something special, but it has left many wondering if the manager is the right man for the job.
One player that has come under heavy scrutiny this season is 5-time Champions League winner Casemiro. The former Real Madrid legend helped transform United’s midfield last season, creating a composed and stable team. Since coming back from injury, many are still questioning his fitness to play in the squad, with the player looking sluggish.
United, who were picked apart 4-0 when they played Crystal Palace last week, have been struck with injuries all season long and were only left with veteran defender Johnny Evans available as a natural center-back. Casemiro was picked to play alongside the Northern Irishman for the game.
Having lost 4-0, Casemiro took a large majority of the criticism, having made two mistakes, leading to the build-up of two goals. The player’s legs looked gone, and he was a shadow of his former days in Madrid; many pundits have called it his final few games playing in the top 5 European leagues.
The Brazillian is thought to be on a substantial wage, and with the midfielder now 32 years old, is it time for fresh legs on the pitch? Manchester United’s net spending in the summer transfer window is capped at around £100m, supposedly due to FFP. Could this be Casemiro’s last few games for the Red Devils?
Roy Keane’s Damning Verdict on United
After Manchester United’s heavy defeat to Palace, United legend Roy Keane gave a scathing verdict, as usual, on how bad United really is right now. Of course, Casemiro was a central topic for conversation in which he said:
“Of all the players at Manchester United, including the reserves and youth team, if there were one player I wouldn’t play at center-half against Crystal Palace, he’d be the one I wouldn’t play. Aaron Wan-Bissaka or someone else.
“I would play anyone else at center back than Casemiro. When you get to 31 and 32, every time you have a really bad game, it becomes a shocker. I had people tell me that I was finished at that level, but players can get through it if they play in their best position.
“I looked at Casemiro the other night, and he was having a bad time, but he wasn’t getting any help from the other players. If your legs are going a bit, you get people around you, and that’s where he should’ve done better with his experience. But defensively, he got no help from anyone whatsoever. Defensively, they were all over the place.”
Manchester United have really struggled, nearly losing the FA Cup Semi-Final. After being 3-0 down, Coventry made the comeback of dreams to equalise and take the game to penalties. Keane mentioned after the game that he is “almost disliking them” in relation to his thoughts about the United squad.
Many fans from the United fan base have called for their former captain to take over the reins until the end of the season, calling for a more aggressive treatment towards players underperforming and not pulling their weight for the club. Is Roy Keane a potential replacement for Erik Ten Hag, or do you think the Dutchman will be given a chance under INEOS?
