Rio Ferdinand has questioned Casemiro’s defending for Manchester United during Monday’s 4-0 thrashing at Crystal Palace.
The 32-year-old has endured a difficult season after a strong debut campaign last term following his arrival from Real Madrid. Casemiro played a key role in United finishing third in the Premier League and winning the Carabao Cup in 2022/23.
But injuries and age appear to have caught up with the Brazilian, who was run ragged at Selhurst Park. The defensive midfielder was off the pace all evening as Palace ran rings around United’s players.
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And Ferdinand was left exasperated at Casemiro’s performance in South London. “Casemiro #StayOnYaFeet“, he said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
When Rasmus Hojlund’s goal was disallowed for a foul on former United goalkeeper Dean Henderson, he said: “Referees are part of the Goalkeeper Union ffs.” He then exclaimed: “Going bed… night all.”
United’s defence has been heavily criticised with centre-back Jonny Evans also enduring a difficult evening. “It definitely sums up United,” Alan Smith told Sky Sports after Palace went 2-0 up through Jean-Philippe Mateta.
“Defensively they have been a car crash, they really have. I feel for Jonny Evans really here, faced with a one-vs-one against an inform centre-forward. He just does nothing.
“And what about that for a strike. Every time they have gone forward they have found encouragement and gaps. They have found United wanting. I cannot believe he has skated through so easily.”
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
