Danny Murphy has launched a staunch defence of under-fire Manchester United star Casemiro.
The experienced Brazil international made an instant impact at Old Trafford last season following his big-money move from Real Madrid and immediately cemented his position as a key part of Erik ten Hag’s rebuild.
Ten Hag’s new-look midfield has been found wanting during the course of the opening two games of the season, however, and was easily bypassed in the fortuitous win over Wolves and comprehensive defeat at Spurs last weekend.
Casemiro looked totally isolated, particularly during the second half in north London and the United manager is likely to recall Scott McTominay in the absence of the injured Mason Mount for the must-win game against Nottingham Forest this weekend.
Jamie Carragher questioned the former Real Madrid star’s purchase last week and does not believe he will turn out to have been a shrewd acquisition in the long-run.
Murphy, however, is confident Casemiro represents the least of United’s worries and insists it is on his teammates to provide more protection and Ten Hag to implementa more suitable tactical set-up.
‘It’s all about the dynamic of a team and the way someone fits in and the way people perceive you to be.
‘He’s a holding midfielder, if he was playing in a midfield that had a better defensive, tactical set-up, he wouldn’t look as isolated as he has done in the first two games.
‘And I think we will see especially as there’s been an injury now to [Mason] Mount for the couple of games, I think you’ll see [Scott] McTominay probably come in and play alongside him to give him some legs and give him some help.
‘But I don’t worry about him for the next year or two – he’s a super player.’
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