The following week saw another job done for Manchester United. Substitute Benjamin Sesco’s latest goal off the bench gave Michael Carrick’s side a fifth win in six Premier League games against Everton on Monday night.
The trip to the London Stadium earlier this month was another dull and hectic affair, but for the second game the Slovenian striker stepped up to ensure a positive result for the Red Devils.
Everything has come to a bit of a standstill recently, after a swell of free football against the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal, but Carrick’s side are still pushing towards Champions League qualification.
The Old Trafford side have continued to produce results, but recent performances have not been very convincing and changes may be necessary ahead of this weekend’s game against Crystal Palace.
Fresh off his late heroics, Sesco will be lined up for his first start under Carrick, but changes could be needed elsewhere, particularly in midfield.
Why Casemiro could be substituted after Everton win
It has been a renaissance season for Casemiro at Manchester United, with the aging Brazilian having been a mainstay under manager Ruben Amorim and now Carrick, starting every game under the latter in recent weeks.
He was highly rated in the opening game against Fulham and was named man of the match in the derby, and the 34-year-old is a key part of a resurgent midfield unit alongside Koby Mainu and Bruno Fernandes.
However, Casemiro’s performance in Monday’s narrow win against the Toffees was not at its peak, and it looked like the former Real Madrid man could benefit from being dropped to the bench against the Eagles.
The experienced midfielder, whose contract expires this summer and is already set to leave the club, continues to have a huge impact, although this hasn’t been his best time, especially after losing the ball 20 times against David Moyes’ side and proving to be particularly mishandled with the ball.
The Brazilian captain made two important passes, but his recorded pass accuracy was only 79%, while Mainu, next to him, had a much better passing rate of 96%.
Casemiro vs Everton | |
|---|---|
status | record |
touch | 105 |
Pass accuracy | 79% |
key pass | 2 |
dribble | 1/1 |
loss of ownership | 20 |
ground duel | 7/12 |
aerial duel | 3/10 |
dribbled past | 3 |
foul | 1 |
carry | twenty two |
What is worrying is that Casemiro was also dribbled past three times. Although the popular belief that his legs have weakened in recent weeks and months has been debunked, his decline in physical ability may still be a cause for concern.
Indeed, with Palace and Adam Wharton, the opponent Casemiro was “haunted” with in November, on the table, it may be time for a change.
‘Pogba-esque’ Manchester United star could replace Casemiro
With Mason Mount suffering a recent injury setback, there is a lack of midfield depth at Old Trafford, with Manuel Ugarte being Carrick’s only senior option. However, the Uruguayan is currently firmly on the fringes, having not started any of the last six games.
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If Carrick is looking for a wildcard candidate to replace Casemiro in front of his back four, he may choose to push young Aiden Haven, who was lined up as a midfielder during his time in Arsenal’s youth, into the squad in some new role.
The 19-year-old, who signed for the Gunners in January 2025 for just £1 million, has made an instant impression over the past 12 months or so, including a statement win against Newcastle United on Boxing Day, and enjoyed a purple spot in Amorim’s final years.
Then a lapse of concentration at Elland Road led to an early own goal at Turf Moor, and the great centre-back has not started since then, losing his place in the defensive ranks firmly to Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and now Lenny Yolo.
With European Championships and cup competitions off the table, Haven was reduced to being primarily a watchdog for much of the campaign, and only a late cameo after Carrick took over.
In that case, a promising English player could be introduced in Casemiro’s place if game time is needed. His impressive height and ball-running qualities make him a valuable option for deep midfield players.
Indeed, analyst and Como scout Ben Mattinson hinted that Haven was “more of a midfielder than a centre-back” during his time at Arsenal, while grassroots football coach Terry Bobby said he was also noted for having “a Paul Pogba-like swagger” as a youngster.
Comparisons with the World Cup-winning Frenchman are obvious, with Haven boasting the power and composure that allows him to break through opponents with ease, and is routinely seen carrying the ball forward from deep when playing as a centre-back or left-sided centre-back.
These attributes should also make him ideal for slotting in front of the backline, and with Casemiro struggling previously and infamously against Palace, now might be the ideal time to make adjustments on the left.
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