Manchester United star Casemiro was missing through injury in Brazil’s most recent fixtures.
The Manchester United midfielder is usually an ever-present force in his international side, often captain of the Canary Squad.
However, thanks to an injury sustained at Old Trafford – he has not been part of the first-team squad for his country over the international break.
Casemiro has proven a big loss, with Brazil losing both World Cup qualification fixtures, including one record-breaking loss.
Brazil lose twice without Casemiro
Brazil initially faced Columbia in a World Cup qualifier, where Luis Diaz stole the show in his home country. This was fitting for the Liverpool winger, given the trauma he’d been through recently with his dad’s kidnapping.
The Brazilians did score first through Gabriel Martinelli, but it was Diaz who struck twice in four minutes in the 75th and 79th to give the Columbians a famous victory.
Brazil did field a rather unorthodox side, including many young players given a chance – so this one wasn’t too disheartening. However, the loss against Argentina will have really hit home.
Lionel Messi’s Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0 in their own backyard, which actually broke records with this being the first-ever loss at home in qualifying history for the Seleção at the Maracanã.
A lot was down to midfield incompetence. Newcastle United’s Joelinton was sent off before the 10-minute mark and Manchester United-linked Andre was at fault for Nicolas Otamendi’s goal.
They could have definitely done with Casemiro’s experience to steady the ship.
Manchester United target Andre ‘responsible’ for Argentina goal
Manchester United appear to be interested in Andre, who played his first two games for Brazil in the two losses.
According to the London Evening Standard, Man United have ‘only enquired’ about the 21-year-old Brazil enforcer at this stage – with Fulham closing in on securing the £30m man’s services.
But they may want to rethink. He didn’t have a good game in either but was particularly bad against Argentina.
Brazilian press Globo reckons he was at fault for the game-deciding goal and had the following to say about the 22-year-old.
Andre – 4/10: ‘He was responsible for marking Otamendi in the corner of the goal and let the defender go astray. Then, he was moved back to defender. He has not yet been able to show the same football as Fluminense in the national team.’
Should Manchester United rethink Casemiro transfer strategy?
It’s evident that Casemiro was missed in these fixtures. The youth of Brazil couldn’t hack the heat in crucial fixtures… so should this be something to take into account at Manchester United?
Yes, Casemiro is ageing, but experienced players are also vital parts of a healthy first-team squad.
Brazil’s results reflect positively on Casemiro. It’s something for Erik ten Hag to keep an eye on.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/2lCMV07