Journalist: Analysing Manchester United’s Midfield Struggles | OneFootball

Casemiro at Manchester United: A Tale of Tactical Shifts and Challenges

In an insightful piece by Carl Anka for The Athletic, the complexities surrounding Casemiro’s tenure at Manchester United are unpacked with precision. As Manchester United grapples with both tactical and transitional phases under Erik ten Hag, Casemiro’s role has become a focal point for discussion.

Initial Impact and High Hopes

Upon his arrival in late summer 2022, following a disheartening 4-0 defeat to Brentford, Casemiro confidently declared, “Tell them, I’ll fix this.” This statement marked the beginning of what was expected to be a transformative period for United’s midfield. Ten Hag himself described Casemiro as “the cement between the stones,” acknowledging his vital role in the team’s structure.

Photo: IMAGO

A Shift in Dynamics

However, Casemiro’s second year at United paints a starkly different picture. Initially celebrated for his robust defensive plays and leadership, his current season has been marred by injuries and a noticeable decline in performance. Jamie Carragher’s observation that “Casemiro’s legs have gone,” captures the sentiment of a season where the Brazilian’s influence has waned significantly.

Tactical Misalignment and Struggles

The crux of the issue seems to lie in the tactical adjustments imposed by Ten Hag, who intended to transition United into a more dynamic, transition-based team. This shift, while theoretically sound, exposed Casemiro to vulnerabilities, particularly in games where his defensive acumen was supposed to anchor the team’s midfield. For instance, during United’s Premier League opener against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Casemiro appeared out of sorts, unable to balance his duties between joining offensive plays and securing his defensive post.

The challenges were exacerbated by the mismatch in midfield dynamics, especially with Mason Mount’s arrival and his role as a “free No 8,” which often left Casemiro overstretched in covering defensive gaps. This misalignment was vividly critiqued by Gary Neville, who remarked that Casemiro was “absolutely torn to shreds” during that match.

Data Insights and Continued Decline

Statistical data from Opta highlights a shift in Casemiro’s play style, showing an increase in forward passes from 27.6% in his last season at Real Madrid to 38.5% at United, albeit with a drop in accuracy. His progressive passing, while intended to catalyze attacks, resulted in diminished link-up play and an increase in possession losses. This season, his defensive metrics have also deteriorated, failing to curb the advances of opposing players as effectively as before.

Future Prospects and Managerial Support

Despite the struggles, Ten Hag remains supportive, emphasizing Casemiro’s importance as a fighter and a strategist within the team. “I think we needed the (No) 6 when I arrived here, and last season Casemiro was fantastic…I know he is such a winner,” Ten Hag stated, underscoring his confidence in Casemiro’s ability to rebound.

The road ahead for Casemiro at Manchester United is fraught with challenges. With the team’s tactical setup requiring a reevaluation and Casemiro’s role within it critically assessed, the upcoming season will be pivotal. If Ten Hag continues to rely on him, adjustments will be necessary to harness his strengths and mitigate the tactical vulnerabilities that have plagued his performance.

Conclusion

As Manchester United continues to navigate through its transitional phase, the effectiveness of their midfield strategy, particularly Casemiro’s role, will be instrumental in determining their success or failure. The Brazilian’s journey at United is a testament to the harsh realities of top-flight football, where tactical missteps and physical declines can starkly alter a player’s impact.