Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick confirmed after the Premier League stalemate at Sunderland that Casemiro will be ready for next week’s home match against Nottingham Forest. That was a positive note for fans hoping to give the Brazilian midfielder a proper farewell, given his immense impact over four years at Old Trafford.
To underline his importance, United have failed to win any of the four league games this season when the 34-year-old was not in the starting lineup. At least they managed a point at the Stadium of Light.
Having won the previous three meetings, they were clearly second best to Regis le Bris’ side. It was easy to understand the Black Cats boss’ frustration that his team couldn’t take all three points.
With Casemiro absent and natural deputy Manuel Ugarte also sidelined—few at United believe the Uruguay midfielder is a permanent solution anyway—Carrick had limited options. He could drop Kobbie Mainoo into the number six role and use Bruno Fernandes or Mason Mount as an eight, or give 19-year-old Tyler Fletcher his first senior start and leave Mainoo in the more advanced position he has excelled in since his recall to the starting lineup after Ruben Amorim’s departure.
In reality, there was no real choice. It had to be Mainoo and Mount, especially as Fernandes is still chasing the assist that would tie Thierry Henry and Kevin de Bruyne on 20 for the best return in a single Premier League campaign. The outcome was a United performance that failed to produce a single shot on target until Matheus Cunha’s effort was saved by Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs in stoppage time.
The hosts had more possession, more shots, and a higher expected goals (xG). Le Bris said his side had “more control.” Carrick made five changes at the Stadium of Light, so United’s overall display cannot be blamed solely on Casemiro’s absence. There is a general acknowledgment that their squad lacks depth in quality, and team selections like this prove it.
Strengthening midfield is a priority this summer. Nottingham Forest’s England international Elliot Anderson tops their wishlist, but Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott are all admired for their Premier League experience.
Yet, as Le Bris explained when asked to compare Casemiro with his own 33-year-old midfielder Granit Xhaka, players with that experience bring much more than what is obvious on the pitch. “It is hard to quantify but they are so important,” said the Frenchman. “On one side they have experience so they can manage the momentum and flow of the game even if it’s really emotional. But they are also great players. The level is important because of the way they manage the ball under pressure and the way they defend with their team-mates. Casemiro on one side and Granit on the other are not the most physical players in the league, in duels and so on, but they manage team-mates and the flow of the squad, and for that they are so important.”
That insight explains why United might need more than just a talented younger player this summer. It also suggests it could take two or even three midfielders—especially if Ugarte leaves—to offer the versatility in selection.
