The reason for Brazilian player Casemiro’s poor performance at Old Trafford this season is becoming increasingly clear.

The Brazilian midfielder had a poor performance in Manchester United’s disastrous 0-4 loss to Crystal Palace. This is even more disappointing when fans look at Casemiro’s previous achievements. He is considered by many to be one of the best defensive midfielders of all time.

At Real Madrid, the Brazilian won everything, including five Champions League titles. Even last season, Casemiro was a factor in helping Manchester United finish third in the Premier League.

But this season is a very different scenario. Manchester United is down to eighth place with only three matches remaining in the 2023–24 Premier League season. It is entirely possible that coach Erik ten Hag’s team will lose their place in Europe.

Casemiro and his teammates lost to Crystal Palace on May 7

While Casemiro was once ‘a rare ray of light’ during MU’s time of crisis, he is now one of the club’s worst performers. The midfielder has been playing without energy for months.

 

According to fans, one of the reasons for Casemiro’s poor performance was because he was asked to play as a central defender. Injuries have thinned Manchester United’s defense and coach ten Hag had no choice but to push Casemiro to the backline, even though the Brazilian is much more comfortable in the central midfield position.

However, even when playing as a central midfielder, Casemiro is still ineffective. He has struggled with the fast pace of play in the Premier League, while La Liga’s slower pace may have allowed him to mask some of his deteriorating fitness. In a team that is in poor form, like MU, of course there is no room for mistakes, even with a veteran player like Casemiro.

Casemiro’s performance at the ‘Red Devils’ club could not be worse

Of course, Casemiro is not the central midfielder that coach Ten Hag wanted when he moved to Manchester United two summers ago. The Dutch coach considered Frenkie de Jong his top target but could not convince the Barcelona player to move to Old Trafford. Signing Casemiro was actually a backup plan.

Mr. Ten Hag himself is also fighting for his future at this club. However, regardless of whether the Dutch coach is still at Old Trafford at the beginning of next season or not, Casemiro will still be pushed away if he continues to perform as poorly as he currently does. There is almost no chance for this player to start at MU anymore.