In a dramatic encounter at Goodison Park, Manchester United clawed back from a two-goal deficit to secure a 2-2 draw against Everton. The match, however, has ignited a fervent debate among United supporters, with many calling for the immediate sale of a once-revered midfielder: Casemiro.
The first half showcased a disjointed Manchester United, struggling to find cohesion and defensive solidity. Everton capitalized on this disarray, with Beto opening the scoring in the 19th minute after United’s defense failed to clear a corner effectively. Abdoulaye Doucouré doubled the lead, outmuscling Harry Maguire to head home from close range. Casemiro, anchoring the midfield, appeared off the pace, unable to stem the tide of Everton’s advances.
Fans’ frustrations reached a boiling point as Casemiro’s performance drew sharp criticism. Once hailed as a linchpin in United’s midfield, his influence has waned, leading to questions about his current form and future at the club. The Sun’s Ken Lawrence did not mince words, awarding Casemiro a meager rating of 2 and stating, “The Brazilian is beginning to look like the world’s oldest 32-year-old—he’s become a genuine irrelevance.”
The second half saw manager Ruben Amorim make pivotal changes, notably introducing Alejandro Garnacho. This substitution injected much-needed energy into the squad. Bruno Fernandes showcased his leadership, curling in a sublime free-kick in the 72nd minute to halve the deficit. Manuel Ugarte then delivered a thunderous volley eight minutes later, restoring parity. Despite a late VAR drama that saw Everton’s potential match-winning penalty overturned, the spotlight remained on United’s midfield woes.
The clamor among the fanbase is growing louder, with many advocating for Casemiro’s departure. Social media platforms are abuzz with discussions about his declining performances and the need for rejuvenation in the midfield. Supporters argue that his current form hampers the team’s progress and that offloading him could free up resources for emerging talents or new signings better suited to Amorim’s tactical vision.
This sentiment is further fueled by the club’s recent financial decisions. The potential sale of promising youngster Alejandro Garnacho to Chelsea for a reported £70 million has already unsettled fans. TalkSPORT’s Andy Goldstein expressed his dismay, labeling the decision as “more than embarrassing” and highlighting the club’s mismanagement. In this context, retaining an underperforming and high-earning veteran like Casemiro appears counterproductive to many.
As Manchester United navigates this turbulent period, the calls for Casemiro’s sale underscore a broader desire for a strategic overhaul. The fans’ message is unequivocal: it’s time for the club to make bold decisions, prioritize performance over sentiment, and realign with the ambitions that once made Manchester United a dominant force in
football.