I played with Casemiro and I know where the blame lies for Manchester United’s problems

Brazil legend Rivaldo has defended Manchester United midfielder Casemiro amid his struggles under Erik ten Hag this season.

The 32-year-old has endured poor form for much of 2023/24 after impressing during his debut campaign at Old Trafford. Casemiro joined in August 2022 from Real Madrid with his performances last season helping Ten Hag’s side win the Carabao Cup and finish third in the Premier League.

But age and injuries appear to have caught up with the Brazilian, who has made 29 appearances in all competitions for United this term. United’s defensive midfielder was at the center of heavy criticism for his performance during Monday’s 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace.

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However, 2002 World Cup winner Rivaldo insisted his compatriot cannot be blamed for United’s problems under the Ten Hag. He believes it was also a wrong decision for Casemiro to leave Madrid for Manchester.

“Casimiro is a great person, a friend of mine and someone I played with when I was at Sao Paulo,” Rivaldo said via Betfair. “He had an amazing career at Real Madrid. In my opinion, it was a wrong decision for him to leave Real Madrid for Manchester United.

“I think he was living a beautiful story at Real Madrid, but of course the financial side helped his decision.

“Manchester United are at a terrible time with so many injuries and Casemiro is a midfielder, not a striker or a defender, so people criticize him for playing out of position. But in my opinion, it’s not his fault at all, because Manchester United they fight massively on their own”.