After Casemiro’s dismal performance in the 4-0 loss against Crystal Palace, Jamie Carragher has asked him to “call it a day” and relocate to Saudi Arabia or the Major League Soccer.
At Selhurst Park, Erik ten Hag’s team suffered their worst defeat of the year and a serious setback to their chances of playing in Europe the following season.
Casemiro, a substitute center defender for a Man United team beset by injuries, had a forgettable evening despite contributing to two of Palace’s goals.
During Monday Night Football on Sky Sport, Carragher gave a harsh evaluation of the Brazilian’s play.
The Brazilian was praised by the former Liverpool defender as a “great” of the contemporary period, but he said that “football has left him” and that the former Real Madrid player ought to step down a level this summer.
“I told him at halftime that Ten Hag needed to take Casemiro off,” Carragher remarked.
“I am aware that he has young players on the bench, but I firmly believe that Casemiro, as an accomplished player, ought to be aware tonight that he should only have three more games remaining at the highest level.” The [FA] cup final and the next two league games.
And he ought to be considering, “I have to visit Saudi or the MLS.” I mean business. The people around him need to inform him that this has to stop because he is getting older.
“We are witnessing one of the greatest players of our era performing in one of the best midfields that has ever ruled Europe.”
He was one of the best midfielders, holding [Luka] Modric to one side and [Toni] Kroos to the other. could easily take on the Sergio Busquets, Xavi, and Andrés Iniesta-led Barcelona midfield that we all adored.
He has been outstanding. I am a long way from achieving what that man has. Champions Leagues; representing Brazil; representing Real Madrid.
However, there was a proverb I always remembered as a football player: “leave the football before the football leaves you.” I always thought of this when I retired myself.
“He needs to move on from this level of football and call it a day because the football has left him at this top level.”
Carragher continued by saying that in an effort to get Casemiro off their books, Man United ought to try paying him off. Casemiro has two years left on his £350,000-per-week contract.
“He will have earned a right few quid, good luck to him,” he continued. They give him money and make some sort of arrangement, but at that player’s level, he shouldn’t be subjecting himself to this.
“He is too skilled a player to give a performance like that and have Crystal Palace make fun of him.” Because of Crystal Palace, he isn’t playing for either Real Madrid or Manchester City.
“A man with that caliber of character shouldn’t be experiencing what he is.” It’s time for him to end the day.
After a brilliant solo run, Michael Olise gave Erik ten Hag’s team the lead and finished past Andre Onana in less than 12 minutes.
Midway through United’s half, the Crystal Palace winger picked up the ball and skipped by Casemiro, who lunged in and crashed to the ground.
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s thunderous strike gave Crystal Palace a two-goal advantage five minutes before halftime, and Tyrick Mitchell added a third just after the hour.
Then Casemiro’s evening took a turn for the worse when Daniel Munoz took his possessions away from him.
After 66 minutes, the Colombian sent a pass to Olise, who hammered the ball in to give Palace a four-goal lead for the evening.