“Very helpful for the team”: Raphael Varane leads charge to defend Casemiro amid poor form – Man United News And Transfer News

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Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has explained that the team still needs a player of Casemiro’s qualities and experience despite the midfielder’s poor form this season.

Last season after his sensational move to United from Real Madrid, Casemiro was arguably United’s best player.

The Brazilian came under praise for his gritty and no-nonsense performances in the middle of the park which had been lacking for so many years at United.

However, this term, Casemiro has demonstrated a sharp decline.

He has been accused on multiple occasions of abandoning his position to go forward in search of goalscoring adventures. In addition to this, Casemiro has developed a habit of recklessly diving into challenges and tackles, which see him completely taken out of the game when evaded by a rival player.

The 31-year-old was partially at fault for Brentford’s opening goal during the 2-1 comeback win at Old Trafford just before the international break.

In that game, Casemiro was taken off at half-time and replaced by Christian Eriksen. Erik ten Hag later spoke to reporters and explained that he hooked Casemiro because he “wanted more football.”

At the moment, the United number 18 is still in Brazil recovering from an injury he picked up while playing for the Selecao.

He will not be available for selection when the Red Devils travel to Bramall Lane to take on Sheffield United on Saturday.

Amidst his struggles however, Varane has backed Casemiro to re-discover his best form and contribute positively to the team, just as he did in the 2022/23 campaign.

In an interview with Premier League Originals, Varane, who also shared a dressing room with Casemiro at Real Madrid, hailed the midfielder’s ability to detect and subsequently neutralize danger.

The French defender said, “He [Casemiro] brings a lot of balance on the team, I think he can cut out a lot of counter-attacks we could concede.”

“It’s just amazing and with him I have a great connection on the pitch, even without talking.”

Varane added, “We know exactly where we’re going to move for each other. It’s very helpful for the team to have a player like him.”