Manchester United’s midfield has come under intense scrutiny over the last couple of years, and the club failed to strengthen in that area during the summer transfer window.
Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system demands limitless energy and dynamism in the middle of the park, but none of his options are quite up to the task.
The worst offender is arguably Casemiro, whose days as a world-leading midfielder are over as he enters the twilight of an illustrious career.
Declining but still important
The Brazilian has been a key man at Old Trafford since his big-money arrival from Real Madrid, but the years are catching up with him and he no longer has the legs to boss the midfield.
Nevertheless, he has started all three of United’s Premier League matches so far this season, although is yet to complete a full 90 minutes – proof of his waning powers.
The player has returned early from international duty through suspension to train at Carrington, and this news will have been welcomed by his head coach.
Uncertain future
The 33-year-old’s contract at United expires at the end of the season and the expectation is that it will not be renewed, as per Fabrizio Romano.
There was much talk of an exit this summer, with the Red Devils looking to get some money for him before his deal expires and to pave the way to signing a more dynamic option.
Casemiro rebuffed interest from Saudi Pro League sides to remain at Old Trafford, although there remains definite interest from that clubs in that league.
Three top Brazilian sides are also believed to be eager to bring the player back to his homeland.
United make U-turn
Interest in Casemiro would once have been music to United’s ears, but according to CaughtOffside this is no longer the case.
Discussing interest in the player from Karim Benzema’s Al Ittihad, the outlet claims that Casemiro has now “worked his way up in Ruben Amorim’s plans” and consequently is not being rushed towards the exit.
A CaughtOffside source noted that the player’s role has “evolved” under Amorim, who has “repositioned him as a deep-lying playmaker, giving him central responsibility in both defensive transitions and build-up play.”
This tactical shift, it is claimed, “has reinforced Casemiro’s importance within the team, especially after United failed to secure the signing of Brighton’s Carlos Baleba.”
It is understandable that the Red Devils don’t want to let the Brazilian leave without having a replacement ready, and securing the right man for the job is unlikely in January.
While Al Ittihad are expected to try again for the player in the winter window, it looks like Casemiro will end the season in red before leaving for free.
Featured image Eddie Keogh via Getty Images
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Joe Ponting
Joe has spent more than half his life writing about football and all of it following United. As a child he told a doctor his name was ‘Paul Scholes’, but could never pick a pass like him no matter how much he tried.
