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MANCHESTER UNITED legend Nicky Butt has defended Casemiro following his disastrous start to the Premier League season.
The Red Devils midfielder, 32, has endured a dismal opening three games of the campaign for Erik ten Hag’s side. It culminated in him giving the ball away for two of Liverpool’s goals as Man Utd suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford.
New £50million signing Manuel Ugarte is expected to replace Casemiro in Ten Hag’s midfield when they return to action at Southampton on Saturday.
Yet despite Casemiro’s poor form, Man Utd icon Butt, 49, who won six Premier League titles, three FA Cups and one Champions League during his 13-year stint at the club, has labelled criticism of the ex-Real Madrid man “harsh”.
Speaking to Manchester Evening News, he said: “He’s won everything there is to win in the game.
“I think [the criticism] is a bit unfair. He’s had one horrendous half and everyone is turning against him.
“I think it’s a bit harsh, he knows what he is doing.
“He’s won more things than I ever did so I wouldn’t sit here and say he’s this, that and the other.
“But he did have a bad game, I’m sure he’s had a few before, we all have.”
Casemiro won five Champions Leagues with Real Madrid, along with three LaLiga titles.
He joined Man Utd in 2022 in a deal worth up to £70million and is the highest-paid player on their books, raking in a wage of £375,000 a week. He enjoyed an impressive first season in England, scoring in the Carabao Cup final as Man Utd ended a five-year trophy drought.
But the 2023/24 campaign was a disappointing one for the midfielder — who has 75 caps for Brazil.
Following a nightmare performance in Man Utd’s 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace back in May, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher urged Casemiro to “leave the football before the football leaves you.” —Sun.
Online Reporter