Varane and Casemiro 'can't handle Premier League' claims ex-Man Utd assistant
Suraj Radia
- 11 Oct 2023 21:50 BST
- 4 min read
Raphael Varane and Casemiro ‘can’t handle the pace’ of the Premier League according to former Manchester United assistant Rene Meulensteen.
United are on a dismal run of six defeats in their last ten games across all competitions and the pressure has piled on Erik ten Hag, with his side sitting 10th in the Premier League after eight matches.
Meulensteen, who coached under Sir Alex Ferguson between 2007 and 2013, criticised former Real Madrid duo Casemiro and Varane and claimed they ‘don’t have the mentality’ to play in Ten Hag’s preferred pressing style.
REASON: Erik ten Hag told why Casemiro and Varane aren't performing
“United have certain shortcomings. [Varane] cannot handle the pace,' Meulensteen told ESPN. “The Premier League is dynamic. Everything goes at 100 kilometres per hour. That is the big problem in midfield. They have no energy and that is how the defence gets into trouble.
“He [Ten Hag] wants to put a lot of pressure on, with a lot of intensity. Just like at Ajax. But he doesn't have the players for that. The players don't have the mentality to constantly put pressure on.
“Casemiro, for example, can't handle it at all. Ten Hag has a certain conviction about how he wants to play. But he has to find ways to get there.'
Ten Hag ‘responsible’ for United’s playing quality
Casemiro was an integral part of United’s success last season as they won the Carabao Cup, reached the FA Cup final and qualified for the Champions League, however the 31-year-old has been criticised for his performances in this campaign.
Varane, meanwhile, has been plagued with injuries during his time at United, failing to make more than 24 league appearances in any of his first two seasons, while he has only been able to make four Premier League starts this year.
Real Madrid have Jude Bellingham scoring in every game and their midfield built for the next 10 years.
They funded that overhaul by selling Casemiro right before his inevitable sharp decline (which we’re now seeing) and Raphael Varane, who has missed 35 matches through injury…— Scott Saunders (@__scottsaunders) October 7, 2023
However, while he was critical of United’s experienced stars, Meulensteen also wanted Ten Hag to take responsibility for his signings who have proven underwhelming so far.
“He has brought in all the players and cannot say that he has not been supported. He has indicated that he is happy with this,” Meulensteen said.
DAMNING: Ten Hag reveals why Casemiro was subbed off early
“He gets a lot of credit from the fans. I understand that. But these are not players who were brought in by the Glazers and are now on the field. The responsibility of the players who are now on the field is really up to Erik.”
