Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says that he hooked Casemiro at halftime against Brentford on Saturday as he “wanted more football”.
Christian Eriksen came on for the second half of the 2-1 win and, asked about the reasons for the substitution, ten Hag replied:
“I wanted more football, one who brings passing, distribution, link-up play. So I thought bring Christian Eriksen on for Case.”
Casemiro has struggled for form in the opening weeks of this season and fans on X have been discussing how the Brazilian international will react to ten Hag’s comments:
Shade thrown
— BlkMancunian (@BlkMancunian) October 7, 2023
Casemiro has been poor all season,pls bench him-and Rashford (till he gets his senses back)
— Redefined (@ogbonnatochuk20) October 7, 2023
Eriksen is better than Casemiro at the moment
Tbf most players are better than Case atm
— Cosy (@mbottdk) October 7, 2023
Case finished
— Rhys Smith (@napper_abbie) October 7, 2023
Casemiro needs to be dropped he gives the ball away too much and it almost cost us today don’t know about url lads but after the international break I’d be looking at a amrabat and kobbie mainoo midfield pivot
— UNITED LAD (^_-🔴 (@UTDFEVER_6) October 7, 2023
We need to swap casemiro for amrabat.
— Ashley Stephen (@Ashleyshings) October 7, 2023
It’s been a difficult second season for Casemiro
After looking extremely impressive following his £70m move from Real Madrid last year, the 31-year-old hasn’t been able to perform to the same level since the 2023/24 campaign began.
There is a feeling that Casemiro has been asked to cover too much ground and the fact that he isn’t getting any younger means his energy levels are not what they once were.
He has been popping up with plenty of goals, and he was even named the club’s player of the month for September. Even so, Casemiro hasn’t performed his primary job as a holding midfielder well enough.
Could the United star be dropped?
Sofyan Amrabat was kept on the pitch instead of Casemiro against Brentford, and there is a feeling that the Moroccan could now be favoured as first-choice as the holding midfield player.
It will be intriguing to see who starts versus Sheffield United after the international break.
