Paul Scholes strongly criticized Casemiro for his ‘atrocious’ defensive performance during Manchester United’s defeat to Manchester City in the derby.
United surprisingly took the lead just eight minutes into the Sunday clash at the Etihad Stadium, courtesy of a spectacular strike from Marcus Rashford from 30 yards out.
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However, the hosts equalized with an equally stunning goal from Phil Foden, who found the top corner. Foden then secured his brace with ten minutes remaining, orchestrating a brilliant one-two with Julian Alvarez before slotting past the goalkeeper. Erling Haaland sealed the 3-1 victory for City in injury time.
Casemiro, who had scored the late winner in United’s FA Cup triumph over Nottingham Forest midweek, initially performed well in the match. However, he failed to react swiftly enough for City’s second goal, unable to track Foden as he combined with Alvarez.
Manchester United legend Scholes was disappointed with Casemiro’s performance during that crucial phase of play, expecting better from a player of his caliber and experience.
‘Look at Casemiro during that one-two,’ Scholes told Premier League Productions.
‘In a defensive position, the holding midfield role, that is criminal. The gap shouldn’t be that far and Casemiro, with the experience he has got, should not be getting done with a one-two there.’
United aimed to maintain their slim one-goal advantage on the road, but City’s superior quality eventually overwhelmed them.
As the match entered its dying moments, eight minutes of injury time were added to the regulation 90 minutes, with the score still standing at 2-1.
Scholes acknowledged that City were always the more probable side to extend their lead during that period, rather than United being able to level the score.
‘Once United went behind they didn’t really have the answers, they don’t have the quality of Manchester City, they can’t keep a spell of possession for three or four minutes,’ Scholes said.
‘They don’t have that quality and they were a bit recognisable at the end.
‘You are more hoping it’s not 4-1 or 5-1 rather than getting it back to 3-2. A draw to play that way looks acceptable but as soon as they go ahead, it looks awful.
‘You’re looking at United and they are behind, you have got to try put pressure on City, try get Rashford, [Alejandro] Garnacho down the side but they could never really get that spell of possession.
‘The midfield did okay defensively for a while but when you play against a team like City you don’t get a kick of the ball. It’s difficult to stamp your authority on a game.’
