Jamie Carragher is sticking to his reservations about Casemiro.
Manchester United’s 2-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur was the talk of the Premier League this weekend, with the Reds handing Ange Postecoglou the first three points of his tenure in the dugout.
Two aspects of the side that have received stark criticism are the front three and midfield; United’s attackers were substandard for the second consecutive game, and the trio in midfield struggled to keep up with their opponents and looked off-the-pace.
It’s certainly something that Erik ten Hag will be looking at across the week and ahead of Saturday’s return to Old Trafford.
On tonight’s Monday Night Football coverage, Carragher weighed in on the issue with an in-depth analysis of match footage.
Carragher reacts
After watching a passage of play in which Casemiro is brushed off by a Spurs attacker, he says: “That is not acceptable, it’s not, at any level. Certainly a player of his quality and experience over the years.”
The former Liverpool defender then highlights Casemiro’s failed lunges to try and prevent a shot.
“We see United players getting back in, Casemiro misses the challenge but it’s this one – it doesn’t look great when you’ve got a player just lunging in, he’s falling over. I would really worry about him going forward and this make-up in the United midfield.”
He added: “Dribbled past this season six times, double what Conor Callagher is and [Alexis] Mac Allister who, let’s be honest, are not holding midfield players. They’re attacking midfield players.
“You see the numbers of Rodri, Declan Rice [and Yves] Bissouma, who I said was outstanding. But when I go back to the massive problem at Manchester United’s midfield, also look at Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount there at the bottom, and how easy it’s been for Wolves and Tottenham to go right through the centre of the midfield. I’m not sure that midfield can play together going forward for United to have the season that they want.”
"That is NOT acceptable at any level!" 😤@Carra23 analyses Casemiro's performance against Tottenham and says Manchester United's midfield setup is 'not right' 🔴 pic.twitter.com/tg5zp5GUaq
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 21, 2023
Footage courtesy of Sky Sports.
