3 Months ago, on a Sky Sports Football program post Manchester United’s match against Crystal Palace, where the Red Devils were beaten by a massive Margin of 4-0, Former Liverpool player Jamie Carragher had some harsh words for Casemiro. The scouse legend said, “Leave the Football before the football leaves you.” A direct barb at the Man United central defensive midfielder who put in a horrendous shift in South London.
Now, 3 months later, Liverpool thrashed Manchester United by 3 goals to nil in their own backyard. Old Trafford was filled with gloom except for the glee of the scousers who had travelled from Liverpool. And unfortunately for Manchester United, it felt as if one of their teammates was playing against them. And that player was Casemiro.
The first two goals that Manchester United conceded were ALL because of Casemiro who lost the ball twice in the centre of the midfield and in dangerous areas for Liverpool to mount counterattacks and take advantage of the situation.
What’s worse is the fact that Casemiro didn’t just lose the ball those two times. But throughout the first half, the Brazilian pivot lost the ball more than anyone else on the field. He misplaced a total of 30% of his passes. An embarrassing number for someone playing as the Number ‘6’. Moreover, he only won 2 out of 5 duels, showing that he isn’t good anymore, not even in the one thing he was always known for, winning duels and possession.
Casemiro needs to go to Saudi
At 32 years of age, Casemiro still has some football left in him. But one thing is for sure, those remnants of the footballing genius he once was that are left in him are nowhere close to “Premier League” level.
In fact, he might not even be at the footballing level of the top 5 leagues and even at the level of European Football. The downfall the Brazilian has had since leaving Madrid is crazy. And now, at 32 years old Casemiro is just a shadow of how good he was with Kroos and Modric around him.
Sadly but surely it might be time for Casemiro to get a move on in his career. And a move to Saudi or one back to South America might do him a world of good. That is financially at least.
Liverpool take advantage of Woeful Manchester United
While yes, Casemiro was downright disgusting, he wasn’t the only Manchester United player who could’ve done much better. In fact, the whole team could’ve been much better on the day. Rashford’s indecisiveness, and Bruno Fernandes’ lack of impact going forward all harmed United.
But it was Casemiro’s partner in midfield who hurt the Mancunians the most after Casemiro
Liverpool’s 3rd Goal too came from a similar possession lost in midfield. This time around, the culprit was Kobbie Mainoo.
United’s strategy to strangle Ryan Gravenverch backfired on them as the Liverpool midfielder put in a strong shift at Old Trafford often being at ease alongside Alexis MacAllister and Dominick Szoboszlai.
Even Trent had too much freedom on the right flank and so did Salah. The Egyptian as always came back to haunt United with a goal making it 21 G/A for him in 16 encounters against the Red Devils. Luis Diaz scored a brace in the match early on and Liverpool never looked flustered again. The Reds are now the only team alongside ManCity who have won 9/9 points in their first three Prem matches.
