2024/25 is a season of redemption for several quarters in many ways, and while Harry Maguire has been reestablished as a central figure under the new Reuben Amorim administration, it may be strange to argue in the miserable campaign across Manchester United.
It has entered a nine berth of unorthodox numbers during a United Europa League run. In particular, England International made its undoubtedly the biggest Old Trafford moment, following the final Gasp winner against Lyon.
Amortized under Erik Ten Hag, he was stripped of his captain in a speech about his move to West Ham United, at 32, and was praised for his achievements as “perfect” of the 3-4-3 system by Amorim.
Aptly, that heroic winner against the League One side was offered by another man in the form of Casemiro, and the Brazilian provided Cobbie Mineu’s assistance just minutes ago – earning the previous spot kick.
The 33-year-old, at the heart of that comeback, is a comeback kid in many ways, shaking the disappointment that was removed from the starting lineup for last season’s FA Cup final, and getting a nod to the Europa League showpiece 12 months later.
Its revival was an eye-opening joy, but the fact remains that his £70 million addition was a likely costly, long-term mistake. Can you repeat something similar quickly?
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Speaking of corrections to previous mistakes, the Red Devils seem to be looking for a suitable successor for Andre Onana amongst the sticks, and the 29-year-old faces an uncertain future with the club just two years later in Manchester.
In connection with the move to Saudi Arabia, the £47.2 million signature again cataloged the error in 2024/25 – including three that lead to goals in the Premier League – it’s no surprise that Amorim is reportedly seeking a replacement.
As journalist Rudy Garretti pointed out, United is said to have a “renewed interest” in Barcelona’s Mark Andre Ter Stegen, and the club has held “inside discussions” about whether to make the German moves.
Galetti, who wrote his accompanying work for TeamTalk, points out that the 33-year-old emerged as the “major target” for the Red Devils during a search to replace Onana this summer.
The veteran goalkeeper – also said to have been considered Chelsea – faces his own uncertainty back in Catalonia amid the possibility of the arrival of Espanyol’s Joan Garcia.
Why Ter Stegen will become another Casemiro in Man Utd?
It’s heartwarming to see the man who won the lot in Real Madrid, the league of five champions, seemingly love life at Manchester United.
The former Porto man looked back at the best of his first season in recent months, particularly describing 2022/23 as the “best” individual campaign of his career.
But to my frustration, such performances were not maintained the following year. Casemiro was described as appearing to play Pandit Jamie Rednap’s “In Soccer Aid” as he failed to justify his reported salary per £350,000.
Casemiro PL Records for each season | |||
|---|---|---|---|
stat (*per game) | 22/23 | 23/24 | 24/25 |
Game (start) | 28 (24) | 25 (24) | 24 (18) |
the goal | 4 | 1 | 1 |
assist | 3 | 2 | 0 |
A big opportunity has been created | 7 | 2 | 3 |
Key Pass* | 1.0 | 0.6 | 0.9 |
Pass accuracy* | 79% | 83% | 80% |
Tackle and Intercept* | 4.4 | 4.0 | 4.1 |
Healed Ball* | n/a | 5.3 | 4.3 |
Dribbled past* | 1.6 | 2.2 | 1.2 |
The duel won* | 55% | 52% | 64% |
Statistics via Sofascore | |||
Despite his recent renaissance, the decision to plump for his older talent remains at the moment costly, with the same potential set for players who will take home £102K-10,000 a week in Barcelona.
Like his former Madrid rival, the 44-cap German International has undoubtedly been able to bring United plenty of experience while earning 422 appearances for the club so far and earning massive honors.
Casemiro likewise, Ter Stegen repeatedly delivered goods at an elite level over a consistent period previously said to be “extraordinary”, “among the three best keepers in the world” and “among the three best keepers in the world” by Boss Zabi. Former Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Mitchell Langelag also said, “It’s crazy that he can make some saves.”
But the problem is that a man, 33, former Borussia Menchenradbach, is not a long-term solution.
Certainly, last season, the longtime Barca star has only made nine appearances in all competitions and has just returned from a long stint on the sidelines due to tendon issues.
The spells in Ter Stegen Miss 51 Games for Club and Country continue in previous absence periods in 2023/24.
For clubs like United, who have endured the setbacks of recent frequent injuries, that must certainly be the alarm bells.
Yes, like Casemiro, the 6-foot-2 ace – ranked in the top 7% at Lariga in 2023/24, and could be a quality asset in the save percentage, but at the time, as his career reached its climax.
As United discovered along with Casemiro and his previous Rafael Valen, Spanish elite clubs are rather canny to adorn the aging stars at the right time. United can’t prove another victim this summer.
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