Casemiro cannot play as a lone defensive midfielder, says Mikael Silvestre

Manchester United have had a tough start to the 2023-24 Premier League season, having suffered three losses. However, they started their defence of the Carabao Cup in scintillating fashion, seeing off Crystal Palace 3-0 at Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag’s midfield has been criticised by fans and pundits alike, as the likes of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen have looked lethargic and not up to the mark.

We talked to ex-Manchester United star Mikael Silvestre, who explained why he thinks Casemiro and Eriksen have struggled, as well as lavishing praise on Bruno Fernandes.

In this article:

• Casemiro cannot play as a lone defensive midfielder
• Eriksen cannot shine unless Man Utd control games
• Criticism of Bruno is unfair
• Safer Gambling

Casemiro Cannot Play As A Lone Defensive Midfielder

Former Real Madrid star Casemiro was one of ten Hag’s strongest performers last season, but he’s looked like a shadow of his former self this season until the win against Palace last night.

Silvestre attributes Casemiro’s poor start to the season to him playing as a lone defensive midfielder. He believes he’ll do better when he has someone with a defensive mindset alongside him.

“For Casemiro to shine, the team needs to be organised and control the midfield, and we’ve not seen that this season.”

“He’s an excellent player, but alone in midfield, doing the dirty work, that won’t be enough to stop the opposition from progressing and creating chances. So, he needs to receive the support, the help and consistency from the defenders.”

“Casemiro alongside another defensive midfielder. If you put him with Scott and previously with Fred, you can see the performance of the team. But for him, if you put him with Eriksen, whose profile is not defensive, it’s a big task. One man alone can’t do it.”

Christian Eriksen Will Shine When Man Utd Control Games

Similarly, for Christian Eriksen, Silvestre says that the Red Devils need to exert more control for the Danish midfielder to perform well.

He points out that when United were controlling games like they did last season, Eriksen was a top performer. That is something they need to get back.

“The team is not in control enough for players like Eriksen to shine. I believe they are top pros, and they’re doing their best. They’re putting their best effort in. We can’t question the commitment of Christian Eriksen, Bruno, Casemiro.”

“It’s the collective situation that needs to be changed. And when you don’t control games like they did last season, for a period of time, then you see these types of performances against Brighton, against Bayern Munich.”

The former French international continues that the injury crisis at the club has created this situation, and when the players return, things are likely to get better.

“The fact that a lot of players are also injured. Varane, Shaw, Mount. It’s difficult at the moment. Four starters are missing. It’s affecting the team, plus Sancho, who’s not there, so it’s problematic.”

Criticism Of Bruno Is Unfair – You Cannot Question His Commitment

Bruno Fernandes was announced as the club captain before the season started, and he has had his fair share of criticism.

Silvestre acknowledges that Bruno Fernandes has been criticised but finds it unwarranted as the Portuguese midfielder gives a lot of effort on the pitch, and his commitment cannot be questioned.

“Bruno has been criticised sometimes. Again, it’s someone who is giving a hundred percent. There’s no more you can ask from a player.”

“His attitude, he’s played an amazing number of games, and he’s not perfect, like every one of us. So he will have great games, he’ll have okay games. We can’t question his commitment.”

“In general, the criticism is unfair.

Silvestre further adds that to see Bruno thrive even more, Manchester United need to start playing more on the front foot.

“You see his goal against Burnley. It was a classy finish.”

“Again, he needs to be backed by a collective team that is on the front foot. United are right now trying to navigate and find the right formula knowing there are some absentees, which makes it difficult.”

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