Man United: Bates backs Casemiro to step up

Football FanCast

Manchester United told to use Casemiro in advanced role

By Dominic Lund

Published Feb 1, 2023

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has been backed to play further forward and replace Christian Eriksen's goal threat after the Dane's injury blow.

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro would be capable of playing in a more advanced role in light of the recent injury to Christian Eriksen, according to journalist Steve Bates.

The Lowdown: Eriksen injured

Eriksen suffered an ankle injury after being caught by a heavy tackle from Andy Carroll during Man United's 3-1 FA Cup victory against Reading last time out, in what is a blow for Erik ten Hag.

The Denmark international has seven assists to his name in 19 Premier League appearances this season, after a very impressive first half of the season, and the manager is now tasked with finding someone to replace these goal contributions.

The Latest: Casemiro's role to change?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT about the options Ten Hag has at his disposal to replace the 30-year-old, Bates indicated that Casemiro could be considered.

The journalist said: “I think one option they have is probably to push Casemiro forward. Casemiro’s been an absolute dream as a buy for the whole club.

“He’s made an instant impact in a few months at the club, not many players managed to achieve that, but he has done that and I think you saw it against Reading in the FA Cup. He has the ability to score a goal and obviously, if you were to push him further forward, maybe, he might even be more of a goal threat.“

The Verdict: Right call?

There is some evidence that the Brazilian is capable of playing in an advanced position, given that he has two goals and three assists in the Premier League this term, however he is much more well-drilled in the defensive side of the game.

The 30-year-old midfielder ranks in the 99th percentile for blocks and 95th percentile for tackles per 90 compared to his positional peers in the past year, while he has only averaged 0.09 assists per 90.

Not only that, but Ten Hag choosing to bring in Marcel Sabitzer on deadline day indicates that he feels a more proven attacking option is required to replace Eriksen, and the Austrian is more suited to playing further forward, even playing as a second striker on 49 occasions in his career.