Jamie Redknapp has slammed Manchester United defensive midfielder Casemiro for playing like he was “in Soccer Aid” in their 2-2 draw against Bournemouth on Saturday, April 13.
What happened?
Man United’s disappointing side were very lucky to secure a 2-2 draw at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday evening, having been rescued twice by captain Bruno Fernandes and seen a last-gasp Cherries penalty award overturned by VAR.
A four-game winless run in the Premier League coupled with Newcastle’s triumph over Tottenham has now seen the Red Devils drop down to seventh place in the table on goal difference with only six games left to play this season as they battle to try and secure Europa League qualification for next season.
Many aspects of Man United’s latest low performance have been singled out for criticism by pundits and fans.
However, a passionate and provoked Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp reflected particular frustration with Casemiro, questioning the Brazilian’s work ethic after he failed to close down Justin Kluivert for Bournemouth’s second goal at the Vitality Stadium.
Talking about Casemiro’s awful performance, Jamie Redknapp said; “I’ve watched him for years and he’s been one of my favorite defensive midfielders in world football, I’ve loved watching him play.”
“But right now, I watch him, it looks like he’s in Soccer Aid. It looks like he’s playing at such a pace where the game is a bit of fun and celebrities are coming on the pitch. No, this is the Premier League.”
“You’ve got so much experience and that isn’t really a case of anything else apart from running. I think to myself, [Manchester City midfielder] Rodri, what would Rodri do in that situation? He’d have been flying out there to help his teammates and that’s what you should be doing. I don’t know why.”
“This is my point with Kobbie Mainoo. He’s got everything, got the world at his feet, but you need great role models to get to the top, you need people you are gonna look up to and aspire to be like.”
The former England International turned pundit added; “At the moment, he’s not setting the right examples for the young players around him. I’m a massive fan, but that isn’t good enough. If he’d have sprinted, he would’ve stopped that.”
Recall that Casemiro joined Man United from Real Madrid for £70 million in the summer of 2022, the defensive midfielder shone last season, but the 32-year-old’s performances have dramatically dropped this season.
The Brazilian was pivotal for Erik ten Hag’s squad last season, playing a key part in the team’s Carabao Cup glory.
This season, the former Sao Paulo midfielder has played in fewer games due to injury, he has participated in 19 games, scoring a goal and dishing out two assists.
Manchester United vs Bournemouth in brief
It was a disappointing start for Man United as Bournemouth took an early courtesy of Dominic Solanke’s effort, the in-form striker muscling off Willy Kambwala with ease before firing past Andre Onana to make it 1-0 after just 15 minutes of play.
However, Man United captain Bruno Fernandes struck back to equalize, capitalizing on a sloppy clearance by Bournemouth defenders to roof a volley home from close range.
Despite hope for a comeback in momentum, it took Bournemouth only five minutes to regain the lead through Justin Kluivert whose dashing run past Kambwala allowed him space to find the near-post finish.
Bournemouth could have had more if not for Milos Kerkez’s header being denied by the crossbar and a Kluivert volley being competently stopped by Man United goalkeeper Onana.
The second half allowed Erik ten Hag’s side to try and find an equalizer, and they did through the arm of Cherries defender Alan Smith who was punished for a handball following a double deflection off a Kobbie Mainoo effort.
Fernandes stepped up to calmly find the bottom-right corner with 25 minutes still to play but both sides couldn’t take their late chances as the points were shared.
The result left Man United in seventh place behind Newcastle United, with Erik ten Hag’s side having won just once in their past seven league games.
What’s next for Man United?
The Red Devils return to action with an FA Cup semi-final against Coventry on Sunday, April 21, before hosting Sheffield United on Wednesday, April 24, at 8:00 WAT.
