Casemiro was “absolutely torn to shreds” in Manchester United’s 1-0 win over Wolves, according to Gary Neville, with the home side’s midfield “non-existent.”
Neville was unflinching in his appraisal of Casemiro‘s performance and United’s “non-existent” midfield in their Premier League opener against Wolves on Monday. The Brazilian had a dismal day at work, prompting Neville to emphasize the need for midfield reinforcements.
The Red Devils have been widely linked with Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat this summer, and the former defender has urged the club to move quickly to sign the Moroccan in the aftermath of United’s dismal performance against Wolves.
“They are trying to sign, or were trying to sign, Sofyan Amrabat, we believe, to go in there alongside Casemiro,” Neville told Sky Sports after the match.
“Casemiro got absolutely torn to shreds tonight. Man Utd’s midfield were non-existent, and they were absolutely ripped apart. Wolves were absolutely fantastic. Manchester United’s midfield was non-existent. It emptied. That would have been a real worry for Erik ten Hag.”
Amrabat, according to Neville, would compliment Casemiro in a double pivot role because the former is a “passer of the ball” and the Brazilian can soak up pressure in front of the defense.
“I don’t know [who Erik ten Hag would drop] but they want to buy Sofyan Amrabat for a reason,” he stated. “One thing that Erik ten Hag is not going to do is go back to the likes of Fred and Scott McTominay, who he believes are technically not good enough on the ball. He wants everybody in the team to be able to accept the football and receive it. Sofyan Amrabat coming in, he is a passer of the ball and can sit in there alongside Casemiro.”
Amrabat has apparently granted his approval for a move to United, and a formal offer will be made to Fiorentina in the coming days. However, the transfer is unlikely to be completed before Ten Hag’s team takes against Tottenham on August 19.
