It's been a difficult season so far for Manchester United.
02.10.2023 - 08:41 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Manchester United's move to bring Casemiro to Old Trafford last summer was scoffed at by some, with critics claiming the £60million fee paid to Real Madrid was way too much for a player who turned 30 earlier that year.
Casemiro soon put to bed any doubts over his ability to keep pace in the Premier League, with the Brazilian's fine form helping United secure the return of Champions League football.
But are those who predicted that the former Real man would struggle to maintain his performance levels finally being proved right?
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Casemiro struggled against Crystal Palace, making several wayward passes and being bossed out of the game by Will Hughes and Cheick Doucoure.
Erik ten Hag needs leaders in the dressing room to weather this early-season storm and few can garner respect like Casemiro. But the statistics make for grim viewing for a player deployed as the rock in United’s midfield.
Last season, Casemiro averaged 3.77 tackles per 90 minutes, adding bite to a previously flimsy engine room. Compare that to just 2.99 per 90 this season and alarm bells should start ringing.
Casemiro also made almost three times as many interceptions (1.44 per 90) last year than he has in 2023-24 (0.6 per 90). No longer is he snuffing out danger in the middle of the park.
Aerially the midfield enforcer is failing to produce the goods. The stats show he is winning just 1.64 aerial duels per 90 this season - compared to 2.37 per 90 last season. On the creative front, Casemiro appears to have improved, boasting a higher pass completion total (81.6 per cent).
But that does not reveal the true picture, with the midfielder
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