"He’s the last player": Man Utd legend blasts Ten Hag for playing Casemiro in defence
Former Manchester United star Roy Keane has slammed manager Erik ten Hag’s decision to play Casemiro in defence.
The 32-year-old arrived at Old Trafford in a £70 million move after spending almost a decade at Real Madrid.
The Brazilian enjoyed an impressive first season in Manchester but has regressed this term.
Ten Hag has been playing Casemiro as a centre-back in recent matches, but he has struggled in the new role.
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Keane slammed the Dutchman’s decision to play the former Madrid star in defence.
He said: “He’s the last player you would have played at centre half against Palace, in his defence. For all his experience, some players have all the experience, but they don’t show it at certain times.
“If you’re looking at the whole Manchester United squad, if you’re telling one player I wouldn’t play centre half against Crystal Palace, who at home have got something going.
“They’ve scored five against West Ham United recently – they beat Newcastle. They even scored two against Manchester City. He’s not playing centre half against Palace.”
Man United will look to offload Casemiro this summer. He has struggled this season, scoring just once in 22 league appearances.
The midfielder still has a contract until 2026 worth £350,000 per week.
With the transfer budget tight, Man Utd will be desperate to sell players in the next window.
Mason Greenwood and Jadon Sancho are expected to bring in decent fees, while Antony and Marcus Rashford could be sold in an extensive summer rebuild.