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Casemiro’s wife, Anna Mariana, shared a photo on her social media page to defend the Brazilian following his abysmal display on Sunday as Manchester United fell to a 0-3 defeat to Liverpool at Old Trafford.
Posting a story on her Instagram page, Anna uploaded a picture showcasing her husband’s extensive trophy cabinet to her 523,000 followers from the 32-year-old midfielder’s glittering career.
Among the accolades were replicas of the trophies from Casemiro’s five Champions League wins, three Liga titles and a Copa America success with Brazil.
Casemiro’s wife shared this picture after Manchester United’s defeat to Liverpool 🏆#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/Xf8q8tSQKm
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) September 2, 2024
While anyone could empathise with a person’s desire to defend their partner publicly when they are receiving criticism, to post it directly after an embarrassing loss at home to United’s fiercest rivals was questionable timing.
The fact that Casemiro was almost solely responsible for his side’s defeat or, at least, the archetype of their downfall, only exacerbates the situation.
United actually began Sunday’s grudge match brightly, enjoying the majority of possession early on and pressing from the front well.
Things quickly turned sour, however, after Casemiro inexplicably gave the ball away with a dreadful pass as his teammates had hurtled forward to try and initiate a counter-attack. The space afforded to Liverpool’s attack proved lethal with Luis Diaz converting Mohammed Salah’s cross with acres around him in the 35th minute.
Seven minutes later, Diaz dispossessed Casemiro in the heart of United’s midfield, with Liverpool breaking immediately. Again, a Salah cross was emphatically finished by the Colombian international . 2-0.
While there’s an argument Casemiro was fouled by Diaz, as the winger did not touch the ball while challenging the Brazilian, it would have been soft. And for a defensive midfielder as experienced and strong as Casemiro, it was a grave error.
Erik ten Hag’s response to Casemiro’s first-half performance was swift. The Dutchman hooked the 32-year-old at half-time in favour of 20-year-old Toby Collyer, explaining he wanted more mobility in midfield in his post-match interview.
It was a chastening moment for a player with the reputation and experience of Casemiro.
But, based on his performances for United over the past twelve months, it’s one which the 32-year-old may have to learn to accept as the new normal, rather than an unfortunate aberration. And no amount of nostalgia over trophies won in the past will remedy that.
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