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Casemiro, once a cornerstone of Manchester United’s midfield, has seen a dramatic decline in form, prompting urgent discussion about his future at the club.
This article delves into why United must part ways with the 32 year old star and seek a more fitting replacement.
Early promise
In the summer of 2022, United found themselves in a desperate situation.
After spending over two months pursuing a deal for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, he ultimately rejected the move to Old Trafford.
De Jong’s profile was vastly different from the aggressive, defensive-minded midfielder United eventually signed in Casemiro. This rejection exposed United’s poor summer planning, leading to a panic buy of the then 30-year-old Brazilian for £70 million.
Many questioned the wisdom of spending such a significant sum on an aging player, but Casemiro quickly proved his worth in his first season.
During the 2022-23 season, Casemiro was a revelation. His defensive solidity and leadership on the pitch were instrumental in United’s success, particularly as Erik ten Hag employed a more counter-attacking approach.
Casemiro’s clutch performances, including his goal in the Carabao Cup final, showcased his ability to thrive in a chaotic system.
However, it soon became evident that such a style was unsustainable for a title-winning team.
As Ten Hag attempted to shift towards a more possession-based system, Casemiro’s limitations became glaringly apparent.
His decline in form and inability to keep up with the demands of the Premier League highlighted the need for United to reconsider his role in the team.
Whether United opts for an aggressive style or a possession-based approach, Casemiro no longer fits the bill. His agility has waned, and his lack of technical prowess prevents him from progressing the ball forward and controlling the game effectively.
A stark example was the match against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park last season, where he was dribbled past a record eight times.
Misalignment with Ten Hag’s philosophy
Ten Hag’s philosophy of playing out from the back contrasts sharply with Casemiro’s strengths. The 32 year old is a classic defensive destroyer, a role that is becoming obsolete in modern football.
Today’s defensive midfielders need to offer more than just breaking up play. They must be adept at controlling the game and facilitating smooth transitions from defence to attack, a quality Casemiro lacks.
The need for a modern midfield controller
Modern football demands a solid defensive structure where all players understand their roles, reducing the need for a lone defensive destroyer.
Teams with good defensive structures and ball retention don’t require a player solely dedicated to flying into tackles.
Casemiro’s inability to control the game and contribute to United’s possession-based approach makes him unsuitable for the current and future tactical needs of the team.
Potential Replacements
United must look beyond a like-for-like replacement. Players such as Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad offer the profile needed—midfield controllers who can ensure smooth progression of the ball from defence to attack.
Integrating players like Zubimendi alongside Andre Onana, Lisandro Martinez, Diogo Dalot, and Luke Shaw would create a cohesive unit adept at maintaining possession and controlling the game in the first phase of play.
Conclusion
While Casemiro has been one of the best defensive midfielders of the last decade, his game is declining, and so is his role in modern football. It is time for Man United to cash in on Casemiro and reinvest in a midfielder who aligns with the team’s tactical requirements.
The future lies in players who can control the game, not just break up play. United must embrace this change to stay competitive in modern football.
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