Paul Robinson has given his verdict on the criticism Casemiro has received in the wake of his display against Crystal Palace.
Manchester United put in perhaps their worst in a very long list of appalling performances this season when they were battered 4-0 by Crystal Palace on Monday.
The team as a whole was dreadful with the defence as a unit getting ripped to shreds time and time again, so much so that the scoreline actually flattered Erik ten Hag’s team.
But Casemiro in particular endured a terrible night and was directly responsible for at least two of the goals.
The Brazilian – who has now missed out on a place in Brazil’s Copa America squad – came in for stiff criticism during and after the match.
Ashley Young said on Monday Night Football at half-time: “As for this now [Casemiro diving in], it’s shambolic.
“I don’t know what he’s thinking and what he’s doing. He literally just walks past him, it’s so easy.”
Now Paul Robinson has had his say on the criticism Casemiro has received.
Paul Robinson has his say on Casemiro’s recent performances
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live at 8:28 pm on Friday, former goalkeeper Robinson said: “Harsh.
“I mean, you look at his record and you look at where he has been playing, playing as a centre-back.
“You look at the Man United back-four. Jonny Evans and Casemiro are the two first-choice centre-halves.
“I think it is harsh. There have been times and games where he has been exposed, but he is playing in a team where he has not got much around him.
“Certain games, yeah, you criticise the performance, but personal criticism, I think he has been poor but I don’t think he is the only one.
“You look at the type of player he is, you look at what he has done previously. Answer to your question – harsh.”
What next for Casemiro?
It’s hard to have too much sympathy for a player with so much experience getting criticised after such a catastrophic display.
Casemiro is miles better than that and shouldn’t have allowed his standards to drop so low.
It was especially surprising as the 32-year-old had actually looked rejuvenated at centre-back in recent weeks.
Playing face forward rather than constantly on the half-turn in midfield appeared to help him massively given his declining pace and stamina.
Yet, it’s clear even the position change won’t be enough to prolong his Premier League career for long.
Everyone could see this coming when United paid a ridiculous £60m for a player reaching the end of his career and now they’re facing the consequences.
It’s hard to see anything but a summer exit next for Casemiro.