Man Utd star SLAMMED for 'Soccer Aid' performance

Cameron Smith

14 Apr 2024 15:30 BST
3 min read

Erik ten Hag, Manchester United — © IMAGO

Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp believes that Casemiro “looks like he’s playing at Soccer Aid” following his most recent performance for Manchester United.

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The Brazil international played 90 minutes during the Red Devils’ 2-2 draw against Bournemouth on Saturday night and he failed to close down Justin Kluivert for the Cherries’ second goal.

The ex-Real Madrid star moved to Old Trafford for €70.7 million in 2022, and after a fantastic first season, he has struggled this campaign and has been outshined by teenage sensation Kobbie Mainoo.

Following the draw with Bournemouth, Redknapp was quick to criticise Casemiro for his display against Andoni Iraola’s men and his general performance level as things stand.

What has Jamie Redknapp said?

“I’ve watched him for many years and he’s one of my favourite defensive midfield players in world football, I love watching him play,” Redknapp said on Sky Sports.

“But I watch him now and it looks like he’s playing at Soccer Aid.

“It looks like he’s playing at such a pace where it’s a bit of fun and there’s celebrities coming on the pitch - no.

"This is the Premier League. You’ve got so much experience. That isn’t a case of anything else other than running,” he continued.

“I think of Rodri and what he’d be doing in a situation – he’d be flying out to help his teammates and that’s what Casemiro should be doing.

“This is my point with Kobbie Mainoo. He’s got the world at his feet, but you need great role models to get to the top and people who you’re going to look up to and aspire to be like.

"But at the moment Casemiro is not setting the right example to the young players around him.

“As I say I’m a massive fan, but that isn’t good enough. If he sprinted he would have stopped that.”

Man Utd have been heavily linked with signing a Casemiro replacement this summer, and Amadou Onana and Joao Neves have both touted as possible arrivals.