What is the reason behind Casemiro's decline at Manchester United?

The Brazilian has been struggling in the 2023-24 season.

Casemiro joined Manchester United in the 2022 summer transfer window for a reported fee of €70.65m. The Brazilian star was unveiled before United’s clash against rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford.

The signing of Casemiro seemed like the turning point of the season, as not only did United beat Liverpool 2-1 even though the Brazilian didn’t feature in that match, his leadership and willingness to help out his defence aided Erik ten Hag’s team to turn the season around as well as to establish some stability and balance in the middle of the park.

Casemiro’s Manchester United ranking in all competitions this season: 🥇 8 appearances 🥇 4 goals🥉 13 shots4️⃣ 7 chances created🥇 485 passes🥇 22 tackles🥇 7 interceptions🥈 16 clearances 🥇 5 blocks Back to his best. 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/hj1ufQOwFf

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) September 27, 2023

The Brazilian who was never known for his discipline, received two straight red cards in the 2022-23 season. But, his defensive contribution on the pitch was unmatched. The defensive midfielder also chipped in with seven goals and six assists across all competitions. He was also high in the debate of the best defensive midfielder in the world and in the league alongside the likes of Rodri.

Casemiro has got 22 G/A for Manchester United in 70 appearances and he’s a DM 🤯 pic.twitter.com/9iNW27bSOg

— 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐫 (@UtdEra_) February 28, 2024

Manchester United ended the season third in the Premier League with 75 points and were back in the UEFA Champions League. The Red Devils also lifted the EFL Cup, ending a five-year trophy drought and were on the end of a narrow defeat at the hands of rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

But, all of this seems a distant memory, as what has happened in the ongoing season has led to the fans and even football pundits labelling him as “finished.”

"He needs to call it a day at this level of football and move."@Carra23 believes Casemiro should be going to the MLS or Saudi after this season. pic.twitter.com/kHCGe8sUHq

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 6, 2024

What’s gone wrong?

Everything was going swimmingly, but things went south really quickly during the 2023-24 season. Casemiro’s decline also coincided with Man United’s dip in form and the season imploded for Erik ten Hag’s team.

Not only has Casemiro missed a major part of the season due to injury, but Erik ten Hag’s whole team have been hit with constant injuries to key players and even academy graduates trying to break into the first-team.

The Red Devils’ backline has been the worst hit during the ongoing injury crisis. This has led to Casemiro being shifted to centre-back. But, the Brazilian’s constant desire to win the ball back and move into the middle of the park has led to the experiment completely failing.

Another point that needs to be noted is that the Brazilian featured in 53 matches in club completions during the 2022-23 season (two for Real Madrid, 51 for Manchester United). This was the most appearances the 32-year-old had made in a single season since his early days in Brazil with Sao Paulo in 2012. The then 20-year-old Casemiro made 50 appearances for the Brazilian club. 

As things stand, Man United look destined for a finish in a Europa Conference League position. But a win in the upcoming FA Cup final against Manchester City could secure Europa League qualification for the club.

What’s next for Casemiro?

The dip in form also meant that the five-time Champions League winner was dropped from Brazil’s squad for the upcoming Copa America 2024.

Despite his contract worth a reported £350,000 per week running until June 2026, the midfielder has been linked with a move to Saudi Pro League giants Al-Nassr, according to multiple sources.

🔴🇧🇷 Casemiro and Saudi remains a topic for the summer transfer window. ⤵️ https://t.co/GR7KlgzQ09

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 13, 2024

At Al-Nassr, he could join his former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. This could also be the Brazilian’s last chance to secure a big paycheck before bidding farewell to the beautiful game.

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