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Manchester United legend Roy Keane has suggested that Casemiro should not be played in his favoured defensive midfield role this season.
Casemiro, 32, has recently attracted a lot of criticism for his error-prone performance in the Red Devils' recent 3-0 Premier League home loss to Liverpool. He made two errors that led to a goal, completed just 26 of 37 passes, and was dispossessed 13 times last Sunday.
During a recent chat on the Stick to Football podcast, Keane suggested that Casemiro could still bounce back from his recent below-par display. The 53-year-old said (h/t EPL Index):
"I wouldn't be writing him off. His role in the team, if he gets back in and a couple of games under his belt, might be a bit higher up the pitch. He can't get around the pitch like he used to, but he's shown that he's got an eye for a pass. He gets his head on set-pieces. Moving him higher up could help him rediscover some form."
Manchester United great Gary Neville also pitched in and claimed that Manuel Ugarte could replace Casemiro in a number six role. He opined:
"I don't think he's the best at receiving it on the half-turn. Ugarte can sit deeper, letting Casemiro focus more on offensive play."
Since arriving from Real Madrid in a potential £70 million deal in 2022, Casemiro has featured in 87 overall outings for Manchester United. He has netted 12 goals and registered seven assists for his club so far.
Manchester United technical director states Englishman was fifth-choice in his position
Earlier on the summer transfer deadline day, Jadon Sancho secured a shock season-long loan move to Chelsea from Manchester United.
When asked to explain his club's decision to temporarily part ways with the 24-year-old England international, Red Devils technical director Dan Ashworth responded (h/t Tribal Football):
"We felt we had enough depth in that particular position to be able to cover it. We have four really good wide players; Jadon was the fifth, and that allowed us to make that decision."
Sancho, who could join Chelsea on a permanent basis next summer due to a £25 million obligation to buy clause, made just three appearances for the Red Devils last season. After falling out with manager Erik ten Hag, he joined Borussia Dortmund on loan in the second half of the 2023-24 campaign and featured in 21 overall matches.
The Manchester United winger could make his debut for Chelsea in a Premier League clash at Bournemouth on Saturday (September 14).
