“Everyone knows I’m a central midfielder”: Casemiro admits centre-back is “not a role he likes to do” | OneFootball

Manchester United star Casemiro has admitted that he’s not too enthused about playing at centre-back as he prefers slotting into the middle of the park, where he is best suited.

In recent games amidst United’s injury crisis in the defensive department, Erik ten Hag has been forced to deploy Casemiro as a makeshift central defender.

It’s a position in which the Brazilian has struggled. He was badly exposed in the 4-0 hammering against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park and was arguably at fault for at least three of the four goals conceded.

A few days later, Casemiro found himself on the wrong end of things again, this time vs. Arsenal at Old Trafford. His failure to quickly get up the pitch led Arsenal to score the only goal of the match, which ultimately proved enough for the Gunners as they clinched all three points.

Casemiro has however not been helped by the fact that his partners at the heart of United’s backline have been changing. He initially played with Harry Maguire but when the Englishman was also sidelined with a physical setback, the five-time Champions League was then paired with a half-fit Jonny Evans.

The 32-year-old spoke to club media and admitted that while he’s struggled at centre-back, he’s still more than happy to play in whatever position he’s needed.

“I mean I’ve done it probably two or three times, in my time at Real Madrid, playing centre-half. But everyone knows that I am a central midfielder. It’s not a role that I like to do but, you know what, I do it with the absolute best will in the world.”

“As soon as the manager asks the question: ‘Would you be able to play in that role?’ Of course, I would. Absolutely. I do it to help the team, the manager, the clubs, the fans. That is what you do. And I do it, as I say, because I’m delighted to help out if I can.”

“I know it’s something which, you use the word ‘adapted’, and it’s something that I’ve tried to do to help the side but, yeah, I’m a central midfield player. All my life, all my career. Obviously, that is where I prefer to play.”

He added, “Obviously, I prefer to be further forward in midfield but, if the rest of the side was as per normal, it would be easier to slot in, I’m sure. But, as I repeat, I do it. I do it to help my team-mates.”

“Everyone knows I’m not a centre-half. I’m a holding midfielder, that is what I’ve been all my life but my philosophy is you know when you’re in a team, you do things to help that team and help your team-mates out. That’s the key.”

He explained that his style of leadership is based on leading by example and it’s also something Ten Hag has asked him to show.

Casemiro expressed his gratitude to his teammates for protecting him on the pitch and helping him adapt as a centre-back.

The positive news for him is that Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof are all back in training – a factor that could see Casemiro go back into midfield for games against Brighton and then the FA Cup final vs. Manchester City.

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