Casemiro’s wife has responded to the criticism aimed at her husband following Manchester United’s 3-0 loss to Liverpool on Sunday.
The Brazilian midfielder had a difficult game for Erik ten Hag’s team, making two mistakes that resulted in both of Luis Diaz’s first-half goals during the Premier League match at Old Trafford.
Casemiro, who transferred to United from Real Madrid for £70 million two years ago, was substituted at halftime and replaced by 20-year-old Toby Collyer, who made his Premier League debut under Ten Hag.
Mohamed Salah added a third goal for Liverpool after the break, sealing their win and leaving United with just three points from their first three Premier League games.
Ten Hag defended Casemiro following the defeat, and his wife, Anna Mariana, also responded to the critics by sharing a photo of her husband’s numerous trophies, including the five Champions League titles he won with Real Madrid.
When asked about Casemiro’s reaction to being hauled off against Liverpool, Ten Hag said: ‘You know the game and he knows the game. He will go on and we will go on.
‘He’s a great player. We will continue this season to improve the team and the players.
‘He improved and has shown so often that he is a great character. He has won everything in his career.
‘We all have seen great moments from him and him be decisive in midfield. He will show that again and will bounce back.’
Meanwhile, Gary Neville said in his commentary for Sky Sports that Casemiro’s errors on the ball against Liverpool are not related to age or lack of fitness.
‘Casemiro, for a player of such experience, the amount of times he gives the ball away in bad areas,’ Neville said.
‘Casemiro is getting on in his years, he’s had a really challenging first-half in particular those two goals,” the former full-back added.
‘I wouldn’t expect Casemiro, the problems he’s had [are ones] that would cost him. Getting caught on the ball and giving it away with no pressure, maybe getting outrun, isolated in defensive positions but that’s two things, no matter what your age is, shouldn’t be a problem.
‘I am not quite sure how the conversation has gone with Casemiro in front of all of his teammates. You are subbing someone who has obviously been world-class.
‘I had a moment myself against West Brom many, many years ago where I knew my time was up at United; I don’t think Casemiro is at that point, but it does feel like that type of moment.’