Manchester United’s summer signing Casemiro had a frustrating full debut on Thursday night as the club suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Real Sociedad.
The Red Devils went into the Europa League game after four successive wins, and it was anticipated that they would extend the run against the La Liga outfit.
However, they simply lacked the cutting edge in the final third with just three shots on target. Sociedad eventually won the game with a controversial penalty.
While United will feel aggrieved by the referee’s decision, there should be no excuses for the performance which was far from perfect at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag made as many as six changes from the Arsenal win, and Casemiro was one of those handed his chance to impress, having been restricted to cameos.
There have been many questions why Scott McTominay has continued to start over Casemiro in the league, but yesterday’s performance probably gives the explanation.
Casemiro was far from his vintage best. He completed just 77 per cent of his passes while winning just four out of 10 duels. He was dispossessed on 13 occasions.
For a world-class player of his calibre, he was off his high standards yesterday. Casemiro should have fared better against Sociedad whom he has faced plenty of times.
The Brazilian certainly needs to up his game for United if he wants to displace McTominay for a starting spot in the league. The latter has peaked under pressure this term.
Ten Hag’s decision to stick with McTominay in the starting XI appears the right decision after all.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com and SofaScore.com
