“I’m highly disappointed in this team. This is what they keep doing every season, and that’s why we cannot compete with the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal. Ten Hag only wants to sign Ajax players, which is very bad,” former Manchester United player, Casemiro, says he is highly disappointed in Ten Hag for not signing the £80m star.
Former Manchester United midfielder, Casemiro, has openly expressed his frustration with the team’s consistent underperformance, attributing their inability to compete with top clubs like Manchester City and Arsenal to the management decisions of Erik ten Hag. He criticized Ten Hag’s preference for signing players from Ajax, describing it as a poor strategy.
Casemiro’s tenure at Manchester United wasn’t expected to conclude on such a disappointing note. When he was signed, there was always the risk that a four-year contract for an ageing player could backfire, a concern reportedly shared by Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who pointed to Casemiro’s transfer as an example of the poor decisions made during the Glazer era.
Despite these concerns, Casemiro had a stellar first season with United, marked by memorable moments such as his overhead kick against Bournemouth, a crucial equalizer at Stamford Bridge, and his no-look chip against Chelsea. His performances culminated in scoring the opening goal in the EFL Cup final, helping United secure their first trophy in six years.
However, his second season didn’t live up to the high standards set in his debut year. The contrast was stark, likened to the difficult second album of Manchester band The Stone Roses. This drop in form has left many fans and pundits disheartened, with some suggesting that if United were to transfer Casemiro to a Saudi Arabian club, it might be met with relief rather than regret.
Casemiro’s lackluster performances have been a point of concern, particularly highlighted in matches against Arsenal and Crystal Palace. His apparent disinterest and declining desire have made him a prime candidate for the overhaul anticipated under Ineos’s management.
One significant point of contention for Casemiro has been the club’s recruitment strategy. According to The Athletic, he was particularly worried about the muscle injuries he suffered, such as the hamstring strain that sidelined him during the FA Cup final. These injuries were a new challenge for him, adding to his frustration.
Furthermore, Casemiro was reportedly disappointed with United’s summer signings. He believed that acquiring established, top-tier players was crucial for building on their third-place finish in the previous season. While he did not disregard the contributions of players like Andre Onana, Mason Mount, and Rasmus Hojlund, he felt the team missed out on pivotal opportunities. The departure of Harry Kane to Bayern Munich was a notable disappointment for Casemiro, who believed Kane could have significantly bolstered United’s attack.
Kane’s subsequent success at Bayern, scoring 44 goals in 45 games, underscored what United had missed out on. Although Erik ten Hag had expressed interest in Kane, negotiations were thwarted by Tottenham’s chairman Daniel Levy, who was unwilling to sell the star striker to a Premier League rival. Ultimately, Kane’s move to Germany was seen as the best possible outcome for Spurs, barring a dramatic stay.
Ten Hag also showed interest in signing players like Frenkie de Jong and Declan Rice. He acknowledged Kane’s guaranteed goal-scoring prowess but emphasized his confidence in the potential of 21-year-old Hojlund, despite the need for time and development. Ten Hag highlighted the differences between the players, stressing that Hojlund should not be directly compared to an established star like Kane.
