Manchester United's failure to replace Casemiro this summer has been a source of frustration for fans, but the club's decision to let the Brazilian go may have been the right one. Despite missing out on targets like Mateus Fernandes and Elliot Anderson, United's stance is vindicated by Casemiro's recent performance for Brazil against Japan.
Casemiro's Defensive Lapse Exposes Ageing Legs
In Brazil's round of 32 clash with Japan in Houston, Casemiro showed why United opted not to keep him. A loose pass was intercepted by Kaishu Sano, and Casemiro failed to recover, allowing the Mainz midfielder to score. Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane criticised Casemiro's defending on ITV Sport, saying: "This is the bit that’s frustrating for me, you see Casemiro, his first movement is to come out. He’s got to be backtracking, protecting the goal, he’s got to be slowing the player down."
Keane added: "He’s an experienced player but it’s no good having all that experience if he’s not going to use it. Credit to the attacking midfielder, very, very good, but Casemiro almost guided him to go past him."
Casemiro's Goal Threat Remains
Despite his defensive error, Casemiro equalised for Brazil with a brilliant back-post header. Keane acknowledged his goal threat: "We’ve been critical of Casemiro defensively, but we do know he’s a goal threat, always in the box. The delivery, and not just that, Casemiro… He sees it all the way, but his timing, my goodness, his timing is fantastic."
What United Need in a Casemiro Replacement
United's search for a replacement must focus on a midfielder with stamina and defensive awareness. Last season, Fernandes covered 279.3km in the Premier League, while Anderson covered 318.6km. Without a player who can cover ground and protect the backline, United will not improve. Finding a player with both Anderson's engine and Casemiro's aerial threat is near impossible, but a mobile midfielder is attainable for a high fee.
