Critics of Manchester United’s signing of Casemiro last summer for a £60 million fee argued that the Brazilian midfielder, who turned 30 that year, might struggle to adapt to the Premier League.
However, Casemiro initially silenced doubters and played a pivotal role in helping United secure a return to Champions League football.
Manchester United midfielder Casemiro
Yet, recent performances have left some wondering if those initial concerns were justified. In the match against Crystal Palace, Casemiro faced difficulties, displaying a lack of accuracy in his passing and being outmuscled by opponents such as Will Hughes and Cheick Doucoure.
Manager Erik ten Hag is in need of leaders in the dressing room to navigate the early-season challenges, and Casemiro’s experience and respect among teammates make him a crucial figure. However, statistics suggest a concerning decline in his performance.
Last season, Casemiro averaged 3.77 tackles per 90 minutes, significantly bolstering United’s midfield. This season, that number has dropped to 2.99 per 90, signaling a potential issue.
Casemiro also made nearly three times as many interceptions per 90 last year (1.44) compared to this season (0.6). His ability to neutralize threats in midfield seems diminished.
In aerial duels, Casemiro’s performance has also dipped, winning just 1.64 per 90 this season compared to 2.37 per 90 last season. While his pass completion rate has improved to 81.6 percent, this masks a shift in his playing style, with more short passes and fewer long passes per 90. He is also creating fewer shot-creating actions (1.94 per game) than last season (2.88 per game).
The question arises: why has Casemiro’s creative spark faded? In critical moments, Casemiro, with his experience, should be a player capable of breaking through opposing defenses. However, his recent performances have not lived up to these expectations.
Casemiro, at 31, was never intended to be a long-term solution for United. Instead, he was expected to be a valuable asset in the present, bringing a winning mentality to the club.
While he showed promise in a recent Carabao Cup performance, he needs to rediscover his form in the Premier League to avoid justifying the initial doubts that surrounded his arrival.
