Experiment failed

“This is embarrassing!” Harsh criticism of United players

Casemiro (left) had to play as a central defender.

(Bild: ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Personnel shortages led Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag to try an experiment that was a resounding failure. Midfield engine Casemiro had to play as a central defender in the 4-0 defeat against Crystal Palace and did not cut a good figure. Ex-professional Jamie Carragher attested to the Brazilian's "embarrassing performance". 

"That's embarrassing. He needs to get off the pitch. Nothing is worse than Casemiro in central defense," was Carragher's scathing verdict. He can't understand why coach Ten Hag opted for this option: "Put Wan-Bissaka in the middle and put someone else at full-back."

Casemiro had a pitch-black day in the bitter defeat against Glasner's team. The former Real professional made a serious mistake when conceding the first goal. He ran at goalscorer Michael Olise too stormily and cleared a path to the goal. "It's chaotic. Casemiro - I don't know what he's thinking," said a stunned Carragher. 

Long past his peak?
But the Englishman didn't just see the failed experiment as a pointer in Casemiro's direction. In general, the 32-year-old has passed his peak: "I'd urge him to move to the MLS or Saudi Arabia. It's time to call it a day at this level of soccer." 

For United, the defeat against the Londoners is a serious setback in the battle for the European places. Casemiro was not only a scapegoat for Carragher. United legend Rio Ferdinand had his say on X: "Casemiro #StayOnYourFoot". The "Sun" and "Marca" also heavily criticized the Brazilian.