Livescore
The signing of Casemiro from Real Madrid last summer has changed Manchester United radically, as the Brazil international has been a key member of a solid Red Devils midfield.
Actually, Manchester United look a different team when the experienced midfielder is not on the pitch. No team have managed more points (30) in the Premier League since Casemiro made his league debut in the 2-1 win over Everton on October 9. The Red Devils are followed by Newcastle (28) and Arsenal (26).
“I said it from the beginning, this team, needed a no.6,” coach Erik ten Hag said.
“Control, holding midfielder, he is so important. He is the cement between the stones.
“Defence, knows his position, points others into position, winning balls, duels mainly, in possession he can speed up the game. We are really happy to have him on board.”
With Casemiro in the starting line-up, Manchester United have 13 wins, three draws and just one defeat in the Premier League, having won 70 percent of their games. Meanwhile, without him in the first XI, the team have recorded four wins, one draw and four defeats.
When the Manchester United midfielder is included in the starting line-up, the Red Devils average 1.6 goals scored per game and concede only 0.69 per match. That’s 21 goals for and nine against in 13 matches.
However, when he does not start, Ten Hag’s side concede more goals (19) than they score, as they average 1.6 per game, while they allow in 2.1 per duel.
Casemiro missed Man Utd‘s 3-2 defeat to Arsenal due to yellow card accumulation and Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Leeds due to suspension after receiving a red card against Crystal Palace.
Manchester United remain third with 43 points and they are seven points behind leaders Arsenal. In fact, they went 10 games unbeaten, but without Casemiro they may have not even been in Champions League spots.
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