Arsenal legend Paul Merson has urged Manchester United supervisor Erik ten Hag to not deploy Casemiro in protection within the FA Cup remaining, claiming the Brazilian can’t compete with Manchester Metropolis goalmachine Erling Haaland.
Casemiro Has Drawn Criticism Due To Poor Defending
Former Actual Madrid man Casemiro is broadly hailed as among the best defensive midfielders on this planet. Over the past decade, he has produced quite a few noteworthy performances in midfield, shielding his group from essentially the most potent attackers on this planet. Nevertheless, as a make-shift center-back, his performances have left quite a bit to be desired.
Attributable to an damage disaster, Ten Hag deployed Casemiro in protection in the previous couple of weeks of the 2023-24 Premier League season. The five-time UEFA Champions League winner delivered a couple of first rate performances at first, however he got here undone within the 4-0 drubbing in opposition to Crystal Palace on Could 7.
The 32-year-old struggled along with his positioning, didn’t cowl his man, and was simply dribbled previous by Michael Olise and Co. Casemiro did fare higher within the wins in opposition to Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion, however many, together with Merson, are skeptical about his means as a center-back.
Paul Merson Claims Manchester Metropolis Will Destroy Manchester United If Casemiro Begins As Heart-Again
In his Merson Says column for Sky Sports activities, the two-time English champion declared Casemiro was not geared up to deal with Man Metropolis ace Haaland, advising Ten Hag to not deploy him on the coronary heart of the protection on Saturday (Could 25).
Merson acknowledged:
“If Casemiro begins on the again once more, don’t fear about ways, don’t fear about counter-attacking soccer, don’t fear about something – they’ll be destroyed.
“He can’t play there, he’s not a centre-back, particularly in opposition to among the best within the enterprise – that’s an absolute no-go. They should get somebody match, or give you a special plan. With that plan, there’s just one final result.”
Merson concluded by including:
“He’s a midfielder, he’s been a top-top midfielder, however don’t ask him to go up in opposition to Erling Haaland. He’s bought no likelihood.”
Manchester United shall be with out Harry Maguire for the FA Cup remaining on Saturday. However fortunately for Ten Hag, Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez have returned to coaching and needs to be match sufficient to contribute.
