‘He knows’ Bruno Fernandes defends Casemiro after Man Utd suffered a 3-0 defeat against Liverpool on Sunday and Casemiro was at fault for the opening two goals.

‘He knows’ Bruno Fernandes defends Casemiro after Man Utd suffered a 3-0 defeat against Liverpool on Sunday and Casemiro was at fault for the opening two goals.

Manchester United’s dismal display against Liverpool underscored the necessity of new signing Manuel Ugarte. The Uruguayan midfielder joined for €50 million on transfer deadline day but wasn’t registered in time to feature. His absence highlighted the team’s midfield vulnerabilities.

 

 

 

Casemiro’s struggles were evident, as he gifted Liverpool two goals. A loose pass and loss of possession led to Luis Diaz’s opener. Later, Diaz brushed past Casemiro, allowing Mohamed Salah to find Diaz for his second goal. Casemiro’s poor performance, losing possession 13 times, emphasized his declining form.

 

The retention of Casemiro, despite a proposed Saudi Arabia move, raises concerns. His legs seem to have gone, and Manchester United’s midfield continues to get played through with ease. Partner Kobbie Mainoo lacks defensive strength, despite quality in possession.

 

Ugarte’s arrival is crucial, offering a massive presence out of possession. He boasts impressive defensive statistics, ranking top 1% for tackles per 90 and top 3% for interceptions per 90 in Europe’s top five leagues.

 

 

 

Manager Erik ten Hag’s job security hinges on Ugarte’s impact. The Uruguayan must transform Man Utd’s midfield to alleviate pressure. With Ugarte, Manchester United can address their midfield woes and regain stability.

 

Man Utd suffered a 3-0 defeat against Liverpool on Sunday and Casemiro was at fault for the opening two goals.

Bruno Fernandes

Fernandes spoke after the game.

Bruno Fernandes feels it’s unfair to blame Manchester United’s heavy defeat against Liverpool on an individual player.

 

Casemiro lost the ball for Liverpool’s two goals in the first half at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon and he was hooked at half-time and replaced by youngster Toby Collyer.

 

Luis Diaz profited from Casemiro’s mistakes and scored a brace. Mohamed Salah made it 3-0 in the second half after Kobbie Mainoo lost the ball and United have entered the international break with just three points from league games against Fulham, Brighton and Liverpool.

 

Casemiro’s regression was a prominent talking point last season and the conversation around the 32-year-old will grow louder on the back of a horror performance against Liverpool.

 

The majority of supporters wanted Casemiro to be sold in the summer transfer window, but there was a lack of interest in him. Fernandes spoke to Sky Sports after the heavy Liverpool defeat and refused to blame Casemiro for his mistakes, or Mainoo, who was also dispossessed in the build-up to a goal.

 

“We started the game really well and got more chances. We have to be more clinical, this happened against Fulham too. They were clinical,” said a disappointed Fernandes.

 

“The goals are always self-inflicted. You need to commit a mistake to give them the goal. We don’t need to be pointing fingers at everyone, that won’t help us now.

 

“When you concede a goal you can’t just point at one mistake. What’s the point in saying Casemiro lost the ball or Kobbie [Mainoo] lost the ball? They lost the ball because they wanted to be brave. It’s part of football. Don’t make it individual.”

 

When asked if he would speak with Casemiro, Fernandes said: “Casemiro is more experienced than me. I don’t need to tell him anything, he knows what football is about.

 

“He’s played for the two best clubs in the world. Kobbie is an excellent kid. I want him to try more and do this because it’s part of his game. They are huge players for us and will keep being.

 

“We don’t have to look at the past. We just have to make it different. We lost the game, congratulations to Liverpool, they were more clinical. I don’t look at the stats but the game was tight.”

 

United are next in action against Southampton on Saturday, September 14.

 

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