Kobbie Mainoo has ‘caught the Casemiro bug’ says former Premier League manager as he slams two Man Utd stars
KOBBIE MAINOO and Christian Eriksen have “caught the Casemiro bug”, according to Tim Sherwood.
The former Tottenham and Aston Villa manager, 55, was covering Manchester United’s home clash with Burnley on Soccer Saturday.
The Red Devils’ miserable mood continued as they failed to pick up a win against the relegation-threatened Clarets.
Antony put the hosts in front with a good finish into the corner but Andre Onana gifted Burnley a late penalty, which Zeki Amdouni rolled in to rescue a point.
And Sherwood was not afraid to pile in on Erik ten Hag’s side – and picked out the two midfielders for particular criticism.
He said: “The worrying thing is that the midfield does not run, when the ball gets played behind them their heads start wobbling.
“That’s down to the manager telling them and identifying it.
“Kobbie Mainoo, I like him, I really like him, but he has caught the Casemiro bug where he is jogging around the pitch.
“Christian Eriksen is the same – he is one of the most honest players you’re ever going to find.
“I think it is a culture there. Not willing to run. They aren’t running enough. They need to be able to run.
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“If I was Kobbie’s agent or youth-team coach I would say to him, ‘When you first went into the team you ran around with a desire. You’re not doing that at the moment. Don’t fall into the trap of what they’re doing, you don’t have good examples there.’”
Mainoo, 19, has been a rare shining light for United this season, cementing himself as a regular starter and breaking into the England squad ahead of Euro 2024.
But he was unable to have the desired impact against Burnley as Ten Hag dragged the fan-favourite off with 65 minutes played, prompting widespread boos around Old Trafford.
Eriksen, 32, meanwhile, lasted until the 81st minute – without stamping his authority or quality on the game either.
Sherwood added: “Another bad performance. Another performance without any style or playing identity.
“No DNA, which Dan Ashworth will be looking for when he comes in and Jason Wilcox.
Pundits verdict on Ten Hag's future
Where do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag's Manchester United future
Jamie Carragher – Sacked
“I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
“To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
Louis Saha – On the fence
“I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
Alan Shearer – Sacked
“I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.”
“They’ve got their work cut out there, that’s for sure. They need to see a playing identity.
“Ten Hag has not just come into the job, he’s been there long enough. He has his own players.
“I can’t see what they do.
“In possession, they are all about moments and out of possession they are a shambles. They really are.
“Manchester United want to be like Arsenal and Man City but they are miles away from that.”