You can't just blame Casemiro for United's midfield muddle

Brazilian’s horror show against Liverpool highlights persistent systemicissues during Ten Hag’s tenure

- Jonathan Wilson

In his beginning is his end; now the night falls. Two years ago, before their third game of the season, against Liverpool, having lost one of the games they had played 2-1 against Brighton, Manchester United presented Casemiro before an adoring crowd at Old Trafford.

At the weekend, before their third game of the season, against Liverpool, having lost one of the games they had played 2-1 against Brighton, Manchester United withdrew Casemiro before a despairing crowd at Old Trafford. Two years ago, United won 2-1; on Sunday, they lost 3-0, and it could have been a lot worse.

It was painful to watch: a player who once commanded games, who has won four Champions Leagues, been integral to one of the most successful sides in history, reduced to a player so devoid of confidence even the basics looked a challenge. The early signs this season had been promising. There was a sense that Casemiro was sharper again, that the concerns about his fitness that had plagued last season might have been surmounted. But on Sunday his pass accuracy was just 73%, way off what is acceptable for a defensive midfielder, and his errors cost the opening two goals.

And yet there is a context.