Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has criticised manager Erik ten Hag for deploying Casemiro in central defence, a position the Brazilian midfielder is not comfortable with. Ferdinand spoke on his Vibe with FIVE podcast after United's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, where Casemiro's lack of pace was exposed for the winning goal.
Ferdinand questioned why Ten Hag did not use alternatives like Sofyan Amrabat or Scott McTominay in defence, or move Aaron Wan-Bissaka to centre-back with Amrabat at right-back. He said: 'When is he going to take Casemiro out of the backline? Why can't Amrabat play there or Scott McTominay? I just don't think it's fair.'
Ten Hag defended his decision, citing an injury crisis that left him without Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, and Victor Lindelof. He said academy defender Willy Kambwala was not fit to start, and that McTominay is better in an advanced role. Ferdinand, however, insisted the manager must find a solution to move Casemiro back to midfield.
