Casemiro has declined badly while on Man Utd’s books (Image: GETTY)
Manchester United insiders have suggested that Casemiro’s dip in form could be attributed to the wider shortcomings at the club, according to reporters.
Conversations within the dressing room suggest that Casemiro, who has hoisted the Champions League trophy five times with Real Madrid, “didn’t sign up” for a second season of simply trying to qualify for the competition.
His second year ultimately ended with United in eighth, well adrift of the Champions League spots. They will play Europa League football this term.
It has been reported by the Manchester Evening News that figures within the United dressing room believe Casemiro’s personal decline is in part because of the problems all around.
That is a theory that will not go down well with Erik ten Hag given, if was correct, it would suggest the Brazilian has somewhat downed tools and would be playing at a higher level were the team higher up the table.
It was a symbolic changing of the guard when the 32-year-old was substituted at half-time for Premier League newcomer Toby Collyer during United’s 3-0 defeat to Liverpool earlier this month.
Additionally, it’s anticipated that recent recruit Manuel Ugarte may soon be the new mainstay in United’s midfield, stepping into Casemiro’s boots.
Though Casemiro’s commitment to United extends to 2026, the whisperings are that the club entertained the idea of parting ways with him over the summer.
However, despite preliminary murmurings from Saudi Pro League outfits, no concrete offer materialised.
Ten Hag made the surprising decision to leave Casemiro out of the starting line-up for the FA Cup final back in May, favouring Sofyan Amrabat alongside Kobbie Mainoo.
Casemiro faces a spell on the bench with Manuel Ugarte expected to replace him in the starting XI (Image: GETTY)
As a result, the seasoned Brazilian has been absent from his national team’s roster since October of last year.
Casemiro was a pivotal figure in his debut season at United, contributing seven goals and adding a sense of stability to their midfield.
Yet, he found the last season challenging, grappling with both form and fitness issues, which led to him being positioned at centre-back as the season drew to a close.
Tonight will see Ugarte in action for Uruguay against Venezuela in a World Cup qualifier, delaying his return to United training until Thursday at the earliest.
Meanwhile, not called up for international duty, Casemiro might still hold onto his position in spite of what was described as a ‘horror show’ first half against Liverpool.
Ten Hag has heaped praise on Casemiro, stating: “I’m sure he is a great character and he won everything in his career what you can imagine.
“I am sure he will keep contributing to our team and Casemiro is always winning so he will be there.”
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1946651/Man-Utd-Casemiro-Erik-ten-Hag