- Casemiro faced criticism for form in 2023-24
- Carragher made scathing remarks about the Brazilian
- Louis Saha has backed Casemiro
WHAT HAPPENED?
The Brazil international has faced a particularly tough time recently, being forced to play out of position as a centre-back instead of his usual holding midfield position due to United’s injury problems. Naturally, the 32-year-old has found it challenging to adapt and put in dismal showing during United’s 4-0 thrashing by Crystal Palace. He was partly responsible for three of Palace’s goals and further embarrassed himself by losing possession to Daniel Munoz, leading to Michael Olise’s fourth goal.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Carragher delivered a scathing assessment of Casemiro on Sky Sports, suggesting the midfielder no longer has the legs to compete in England’s top flight and should settle for a less competitive league in the USA or Saudi Arabia – or hang up his boots.
“I think Casemiro should know himself tonight as an experienced player that he should only have three games left at a top level and then say I’m gonna go to the MLS or Saudi,” Carragher said. “His agent or the team around him need to tell him. We’re watching one of the greats of the modern time…but I always remember something when I retired, a saying I’ll always remember: ‘Leave the football before the football leaves you’. The football’s left him at this top level. He needs to call it a day at this level of football and move.”
WHAT LOUIS SAHA SAID
Saha, however, found these remarks to be unfair and expressed his dismay at the severe criticism aimed at Casemiro, highlighting the Real Madrid legend’s illustrious career and contributions to the game.
In an interview with Betfred, Saha said: “Yes I do believe he’s been disrespected. When it comes to Manchester United, you could criticise many of the players and believe from last year, Casemiro has been dragged into a bit of a trap. He scored a lot of goals last season and people probably expected him to do the same this season, but that’s never been his game.
“The criticism has been severe and harsh and then you hear Jamie Carragher almost inviting Casemiro to move to Saudi Arabia or the MLS. That’s crazy. I think it was disrespectful because nobody should advise someone in that way. I know it’s his job, but I don’t believe Jamie should have said that because Casemiro wants to do good and because of everything he’s achieved in the game, he faces more scrutiny than others and people try and bring him down as quick as they possibly can. That’s not fair. Everybody’s going to make mistakes and have bad games, but that doesn’t mean that every little thing needs to be scrutinised. I think the criticism has been very harsh.”
WHAT NEXT?
Casemiro will be eager to silence his critics by putting his best foot forward against Manchester City in the FA Cup final on May 25. The Red Devils should be geared up for the encounter as a victory in the would ensure Europa League football for them next season.
