Not Just Højlund: 4/10 Dud Must Now Never Play for Man Utd Again
Manchester United’s dismal 2024–25 season reached its nadir with a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Europa League final. While much of the pre-match hope rested on United’s youthful energy and redemption arc, the performance in Bilbao told a different story — one of missed chances, poor decision-making, and several underwhelming individual displays.
Among the players under the microscope is Rasmus Højlund, who struggled to influence the game and looked isolated throughout. However, it would be unfair to place the blame squarely on the young Dane’s shoulders. There was another name, far more senior and far less excusable in his performance — and it’s time for Manchester United to make a bold decision.
That player is Casemiro.
The 32-year-old midfielder was once hailed as the engine of Real Madrid’s midfield, a Champions League-winning defensive stalwart. But his decline at Manchester United has been swift, brutal, and undeniable. His performance against Spurs — rated a miserable 4/10 by many outlets — was the final confirmation: Casemiro should never wear the red shirt again.
—
A Liability in Midfield
Against Tottenham, United needed composure, control, and energy in the center of the pitch. Casemiro delivered none of those. He looked visibly slow, failing to track runners, losing duels, and misplacing simple passes. Spurs’ midfield trio of Bentancur, Sarr, and Maddison dominated the game, swarming past Casemiro with ease.
At times, it felt as if United were playing with ten men when out of possession. Casemiro’s timing was off, his reactions slow, and his legs clearly no longer capable of supporting the demands of Premier League and European football.
His stat line from the final was damning:
31 passes completed out of 39 attempted (79% accuracy)
1 tackle won in 90 minutes
3 fouls conceded, including one in a dangerous area
Dribbled past 4 times
No chances created
No interceptions
This wasn’t a one-off. It’s been a pattern across the season.
—
A Season to Forget
Casemiro’s 2024–25 campaign has been littered with poor performances, fitness concerns, and tactical confusion. Injuries hampered his momentum, but even when fit, he was far from his former self. Once the anchor of Madrid’s midfield, now he resembles a passenger in United’s.
The most worrying aspect? His inability to adapt. Under Erik ten Hag and later Ruben Amorim, tactical tweaks were made to compensate for Casemiro’s waning mobility. But no formation or midfield partner has managed to disguise the glaring reality: he is no longer the dominant presence he once was.
Defensively, he’s become a liability. Going forward, he contributes little. And with the pace of the Premier League showing no signs of slowing down, it’s clear Casemiro simply can’t keep up.
—
Blocking Progress
Manchester United are in the middle of a supposed rebuild, with a young core emerging. Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Rasmus Højlund represent the club’s future. But with Casemiro occupying a vital starting spot — and reportedly earning upwards of £350,000 per week — his continued presence blocks the development of younger, more dynamic midfielders.
Players like Mainoo, Dan Gore, and even potential summer targets cannot thrive while Casemiro is handed minutes based on past reputation rather than present ability. Amorim’s insistence on experience cost United in the Europa League final. It’s a mistake the club can’t afford to repeat.
—
The Financial Burden
Casemiro joined United in the summer of 2022 for a reported fee of £70 million — an eyebrow-raising amount for a player already nearing 30. His initial impact was strong, helping the team to a Carabao Cup win and securing a Champions League finish. But his sharp decline just one season later has made him one of the most expensive mistakes in recent club history.
With two years left on his contract, the Brazilian is set to earn over £35 million unless United offload him. That’s money the club could — and should — reinvest in more suitable, long-term options.
Whether it’s through a sale to Saudi Arabia, a return to Brazil, or a mutual termination of his deal, United must prioritize removing Casemiro’s contract from the books.
—
Fan Frustration Reaching Boiling Point
Among supporters, frustration with Casemiro has reached a breaking point. His name is no longer met with anticipation but with apprehension. Fans have grown weary of watching him lumber across the pitch, late to every challenge and unable to protect the backline.
Social media reaction after the Europa League final was particularly scathing. Phrases like “finished,” “past it,” and “he’s stealing a living” trended among United fans. When the emotional investment of the fan base turns into resignation, it’s a sign that drastic change is needed.
—
Time for Ruthless Decisions
Manchester United’s new sporting leadership under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS has spoken frequently about rebuilding the club with a focus on youth, modern football, and meritocracy. If they are serious about that vision, players like Casemiro must be moved on.
Sentimentality has held United back for years. The club clung too long to underperforming stars like Harry Maguire, Anthony Martial, and Donny van de Beek. If a true cultural reset is to happen, decisions like releasing or selling Casemiro are exactly the kind of ruthless but necessary actions that must be taken.
—
What’s Next?
With the summer window approaching, Amorim and the United hierarchy must begin reshaping the squad. That starts with making the midfield faster, younger, and more dynamic.
Replacing Casemiro doesn’t necessarily require another galáctico signing. There are more affordable, sustainable options:
Manuel Ugarte (linked in January)
Amadou Onana from Everton
Romeo Lavia if available
Promoting Kobbie Mainoo as a permanent starter
The blueprint is there. But it cannot be implemented if space in the squad — and the wage bill — is wasted on a declining, ineffective player.
—
Conclusion: A Harsh Reality, A Necessary Goodbye
Casemiro’s career is one of legendary achievements, from five Champions League titles with Real Madrid to anchoring Brazil’s midfield for nearly a decade. He deserves respect for what he’s done in the game — but not a guaranteed spot in Manchester United’s future.
Football moves fast, and United must move faster. The club is no longer in a position to carry passengers, no matter how decorated they are. Casemiro, rated just 4/10 in United’s biggest match of the season, is no longer the solution — he’s part of the problem.
It’s time to thank him for his service and move on. For the sake of the club, the fans, and the future, Casemiro must never play for Manchester United agai
n.
—
Would you like a version of this for social media threads, YouTube scripts, or a podcast-style readout?
Leave a Reply