Manchester United’s 4-2 victory over Sheffield United Friday night propelled them back into sixth position in the Premier League.

After the unexpected 3-3 FA Cup draw against Coventry City on Sunday, Erik ten Hag’s team only needed to perform well. However, it wasn’t an easy matchup against the bottom-of-the-table team.

Sheffield, United, Man
Just after the half-hour mark, an error by Andre Onana gave the visitors the lead, but Harry Maguire’s goal for the Red Devils levelled before halftime.

The Blades led again after the break, but there could only be one winner as Bruno Fernandes levelled from the penalty spot eleven minutes later.


Even with two goals conceded, United dominated with 25 shots, 72% of the play, and an opposing team’s xG of 2.94 to 0.82.

Alejandro Garnacho, Fernandes, and Maguire all contributed goals to a few memorable performances that evening, but one player may have just saved his United career following what happened yesterday night.

Casemiro’s current 23/24 campaign
After assisting the Red Devils in winning the EFL Cup during his rather successful debut season at Old Trafford the previous year, Casemiro hasn’t been as significant this time around.

The Brazilian has played in 20 Premier League games so far this season, mostly as a 4-2-3-1 midfield tandem with Kobbie Mainoo.

Casemiro Mainoo
The former midfield player for Real Madrid has drawn a lot of flak this season, particularly for his dubious decisions made both on and off the ball, as seen by his league-high 83% pass accuracy. Football designer Liam Canning has called attention to his “reckless” style of play.

In addition, Casemiro’s physical performance has truly suffered since his 17-game injury layoff from October to January. Canning has hinted that Casemiro’s “legs are fully gone,” suggesting that his lack of energy and agility is a problem.

Bruno, Fernandes, Casemiro, United Manchester
But Ten Hag’s enforced tactical adjustment could just be able to keep Casemiro’s United career alive.

Casemiro’s display vs Sheffield United
Due to injuries to all other natural center-backs, Casemiro was used as Maguire’s partner at the centre of the United defence for the second time in a week.

The 32-year-old was far less exposed since he was able to hide his shortcomings and lack of ground-covering ability by playing in the backline as opposed to his typical midfield position.

Sheffield United’s casemiro man united
Casemiro received a 7 out of 10 from the Manchester Evening News for his performance, and the manager also gave him credit, saying:

“I believe he and Harry Maguire make an excellent centre back combination.” extremely steady both when in possession.

Sheffield United vs. Casemiro

Statistics

Casemiro

xG

0.35

Snapshots

2.

Feels

141

completed passes

109

enters the final third

12

Interceptions

2.

Ball retrievals

5.

Duels prevailed.

8

Through FotMob

The data shows that the number eighteen’s statistics, which are impressive once again, further suggest that a defender may be his best position at the top level.

First of all, Casemiro demonstrated his remarkable confidence when in control of the ball by completing 141 touches, 109 passes, and—most importantly—moving the play forward with 12 passes into the final third.

His five recoveries, two interceptions, and eight victories in duels highlight his tenacious and proactive defensive play, which helped United keep the upper hand. It appears that the new role fits him better because he was only dribbled past once, as opposed to his typical 2.2 times a game.

casemiro-man-unitd
Furthermore, with two corner kicks and an xG of 0.35, Casemiro was a dangerous threat from set pieces. It is really helpful to have a defender who can chip in with the occasional goal.

Ultimately, Casemiro’s best chance of getting off the transfer list is to permanently move to center-half, where he is expected to play this coming weekend against Burnley.