Rio Ferdinand Slams Ten Hag’s Use of Casemiro in Defense
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has criticized manager Erik ten Hag’s decision to deploy Casemiro in central defense. Rio Ferdinand believes this tactic is unfair to Casemiro and hinders the team’s overall performance.
Casemiro Filling In Due to Injuries
With Manchester United facing a defensive injury crisis, Casemiro was forced to start alongside Jonny Evans in central defense during their 1-0 home defeat to Arsenal on Sunday. Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, and Tyrell Malacia were all unavailable for selection.
Rio Ferdinand Advocates for Alternative Solutions
Rio Ferdinand is adamant that Casemiro is not suited to playing center-back and suggests alternative solutions for Ten Hag.
“When is Ten Hag going to take Casemiro out of the back line?” Ferdinand questioned on his YouTube channel after the Arsenal match. “Why can’t Sofyan Amrabat play there? Or Scott McTominay? I just don’t think it’s fair to Casemiro.”
Ferdinand argued that persisting with Casemiro in an unfamiliar position is detrimental to the player. “If you see a few mistakes from someone who’s not used to playing there, and you see the mistakes early on, you should just take him out,” he said. “It doesn’t matter how experienced he is.”
Ferdinand Offers Alternative Defensive Lineup
Ferdinand proposed a specific course of action for Ten Hag’s defense. “Move Casemiro out of there and put him back in his natural position,” Ferdinand urged. “Play Aaron Wan-Bissaka in central defense.
Then you could have Amrabat at right-back. That makes the most sense to me. Wan-Bissaka at center-back and Amrabat at right-back. Ten Hag even used Amrabat at left-back for a few games earlier this season.”
United’s Dismal Season Continues
The loss to Arsenal extends Manchester United’s woes this season. The Red Devils have now lost 19 games in all competitions, their most since 1977-78. They have also suffered nine defeats at Old Trafford, tying their worst home record in a single season. Conceding 82 goals this season is also their most since 1970-71.
Ten Hag is under immense pressure following this latest setback, and his demeanor reflects the team’s struggles. He reportedly became frustrated with a journalist’s questions after the Arsenal match.
