Clinton Morrison did praise Casemiro during the first 15 minutes of the first-half of Manchester United’s clash with Arsenal amid criticism of the Brazilian over the last few weeks.
There was definitely a spotlight on Casemiro heading into the clash at Old Trafford after Erik ten Hag’s men had endured a nightmare evening against Crystal Palace on Monday.
Of course, Casemiro is not a centre-back by trade, so it is hard to be too critical of him. However, the 32-year-old has been one of the world’s best midfielders for a number of years so it is alarming how poor he has been since arriving at Old Trafford.
Unfortunately, it was a mistake from Casemiro which handed Arsenal the lead, as he was too slow to get forward, playing Kai Havertz onside before the Gunners forward set up Leandro Trossard.
Casemiro praised during early stages after Manchester United attack
But before that, there had been a reminder of the former Real Madrid man’s quality as he set Diogo Dalot away for an attack in the first 15 minutes.
The attack came to nothing, but Clinton Morrison was keen on BBC Radio Five Live (broadcast on 12/5; 14:46) to praise Casemiro’s role in the move.
“Let me tell you something, you can tell me that Casemiro can’t defend, but one thing he can do since I’ve seen him, he always looks forward and plays an incisive pass,” he said.
“It was him, it was a great ball into Dalot, that was like where he’s been playing in his midfield role. He always looks forward, he’s always checking his shoulders.”
Summer exit surely on the cards
The last few weeks must have been difficult for Casemiro, who is one of the most decorated midfielders of all-time, winning three league titles and five Champions Leagues with Real Madrid.
Unfortunately, he is likely to be remembered as one of a number of big-money signings who have flopped at Manchester United, particularly when you consider that he cost £70 million.
And there is no question that his most important contribution to the first-half was that mistake which played Havertz onside.
It is a move which has simply not worked out, and it would be no surprise if Casemiro ended up moving away at the end of the season.