It’s been less than two weeks since Casemiro announced his impending summer-time departure. The timing was meant to allow the Brazilian midfielder to get his head down and focus on the matches at hand, without any ongoing speculation about his future.
Top secret note – It’s worked.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe 33-year-old midfielder had 16 games at the time of the announcement to cement his name as a United legend. It’s been two games, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to deny his impending hall of fame status.
Embed from Getty ImagesCasemiro’s been one of the best players in each of Carrick’s matches in charge. In fact, he’s been almost too good. Sunday’s match against Fulham exposed exactly what United will miss when he departs, and why he might be someone they simply can’t afford to lose, even if they must.
At home to Fulham, Casemiro dominated the midfield, and put his stamp on both of the opening goals – scoring one and assisting the next.
Embed from Getty ImagesHe’s been one of their greatest set-piece threats all season, with his header against the Cottagers bringing his tally up to 5 goals for the season. Two more and he’ll match a historic season high set in 2020-21 for Real Madrid.
His assist managed to be even more impressive, with a bit of no-look swing and swagger to it as he played his compatriot Matheus Cunha through on goal.
Embed from Getty ImagesWithout the ball, Casemiro again anchored the midfield expertly well. He took Emile Smith Rowe out of the game, while limiting Raul Jimenez’s time dropping in deep to pick up possession.
He won every aerial duel against Jimenez, with that imposing physicality that only he can provide.
In possession, Casemiro was all composure. He handled pressure with ease, slowed the game down when needed, and then sped it up with line breaking passes at will.
On the whole, United were again impressive for their overall organization.
In their two banks of four and Casemiro at the heart of the midfield, United played like a well rehearsed production. Any time someone found themselves out of position, they always plugged the gap.
When Cunha found himself laboured after a bursting run through the middle, Fernandes would slot in to cover the potential open space down the left. Mbeumo sometimes filled in on the right for an out of position Amad Diallo. This camaraderie and togetherness ultimately kept United in a commanding lead of the game up until the 75th minute.
Embed from Getty ImagesBut it took just 10 minutes of Casemiro not being on the pitch for all the signs to become clear once more of how difficult he will be for United to replace. With Manuel Ugarte hurrying and hustling touch-tight to the ball, United were left exposed through the middle time and time again.
Kobbie Mainoo’s not meant to be that anchoring holder. He’s meant to get forward, play neat and tidy passes, and run box to box. So without Ugarte properly anchoring in that Casemiro slot, the centre of the pitch became a gaping black hole as the dying stages of the match came to a close.
It was Sander Berge who found a route through the black hole first before Harry Maguire came in like a wrecking ball.
It was then a familiar sight when United failed to close down the spaces on Ugarte’s side through that right-half-space, and the Red Devils had no answer for a Morgan Rogers-esque goal against them once more, only this time at the feet of Fulham’s favourite Kevin.
But that didn’t stop them from finishing in style.
You see, United have a new habit under Carrick. They can change temperature instantly.
Fergie time finally has its successor. It’s Carrick time.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe moment they’re under threat, they touch that dial – and suddenly they’re red hot, bursting into flames. Bruno Fernandes turned the switch moments after Fulham’s late equalizer, and Benjamin Šeško thundered the ball into the back of the net to keep United’s red hot start alive.
Embed from Getty ImagesBut it was clear again. Without Casemiro, United simply can’t dominate midfield. At least, not with their current replacement personnel.
Every solution creates a problem.
If United want to place Lisandro Martinez in the black hole, they then miss out on the experience and awareness he brings at the back.
Embed from Getty ImagesIf United want to bring on Mason Mount or Manuel Ugarte, they’re bringing on a stylistically similar player to Kobbie Mainoo rather than a like-for-like replacement for the Brazilian.
If you missed it, I assessed all of United’s best options to fill the void next season earlier this week. But it’s clear that for the time being, they simply don’t have anyone like Casemiro.
Fortunately for United, his absence served only as a warning sign against Fulham, as Carrick’s red-hot start to the season continued.
But if this is how they play without him, the Red Devils better hope he’s fit until the end of May.
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