Erik ten Hag has given his verdict on Casemiro’s performance at centre-back in Manchester United’s win over Sheffield United.
It was yet another wildly entertaining match for all the wrong reasons from Manchester United as they flirted with losing to the Premier League’s bottom side.
Sheffield United took the lead twice at Old Trafford but Harry Maguire and then Bruno Fernandes levelled for Erik ten Hag’s side.
It was the captain who finally put them in the lead with a stunning shot from distance before he teed up Rasmus Hojlund to secure a 4-2 win.
Though it was a positive result and performance after the humiliating FA Cup semi-final with Coventry City, United’s frailties remained after twice conceding to the lowest scorers in the division.
Manchester United’s injuries at the back
Injuries have been either pointed towards as a justifiable explanation or an easy excuse for the side’s massive drop-off all season.
But it can’t be denied United have suffered massively. Ten Hag had to name five teenagers on the bench for the match.
The defence has been a particular issue with Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans, Raphael Varane, Tyrell Malacia and Willy Kambwala all sidelined.
This has forced Ten Hag to play midfielder Casemiro in the heart of defence in the last two games.
Erik ten Hag’s verdict on Casemiro at centre-back
Speaking after Wednesday’s win, Ten Hag was full of praise for Casemiro’s performance alongside Harry Maguire at the back.
The manager told the BBC: “I think he’s a very good centre-back, together with Harry. Very stable in and out of possession.”
Ten Hag then told Sky Sports, via the BBC: “He’s playing very good, we know he can play there.”
READ MORE: Manchester United v Sheffield United player ratings, Bruno Fernandes shines but two players get 4/10
A new position for Casemiro?
Casemiro’s second season at Old Trafford has, for the most part, been a massive disappointment.
From the driving force behind last year’s upturn in form, the Brazilian has seen his age catch up to him at a remarkable rate.
Casemiro no longer has the stamina or energy to be effective in the midfield but looks like he could have a future at the back.
He seems much more comfortable with the action in front of him rather than constantly having to play on the turn as United’s midfield gets cut open time and again.
Casemiro was able to read the play to make well-timed tackles or intelligent interceptions and still has the quality in possession to drive forward out of defence.
With his aerial prowess and experience as well, a career resurgence at centre-back might be on the cards.