Fans Claim Man Utd Player Must Be Replaced After 1-1 Draw vs Fiorentina

Manchester United fans have zeroed in on one player for criticism in Ruben Amorim’s side’s final pre-season game ahead of their Premier League opener against Arsenal next weekend.

United welcomed Fiorentina to Old Trafford in an afternoon of returns and unveilings. New signings Matheus Cunha, Diego Leon, Bryan Mbuemo and the more recently announced Benjamin Sesko were introduced to the United faithful, while David de Gea also received an emotional welcome for his first game back at the Theatre of Dreams after abruptly leaving on a free in 2023.

Some poor defending on a set-piece allowed new Fiorentina signing Simon Sohm to give the visitors the lead before a Robin Gosens own goal levelled things up. Despite the turnaround though, one individual didn’t do enough to convince the fans that he should be starting when the Gunners arrive at Old Trafford in eight days’ time.

Casemiro Criticised by Man Utd Fans

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Starting in the middle of the park alongside Bruno Fernandes was Brazilian veteran Casemiro. The former Real Madrid star’s future at the club has been in question for a number of months, but it appears as though the ball-winner will stay for a fourth season at the Theatre of Dreams.

The 33-year-old was involved in United’s equaliser, jumping with Gosens at the corner that led to the goal, with his pressure helping force the German into the mistake that caused him to put the ball into his own net. However, the midfielder lost possession on seven occasions and many were critical of his display, with the same concerns over whether or not he could keep up with the speed of the press that plagued him last season persisting.

Prominent United social media star Mark Goldbridge took to X to write: “Casemiro does everything in slow mo,” with several others picking up on the same fact. Another posted: “Casemiro is finished. So slow. Desperately need a midfielder.”

A second added: “If anyone watching Casemiro in this game still believes United can go into the season without getting a proper physical and athletic CDM — you are probably one of the most optimistic or naive person I have come across.” This sentiment continued with another fan stating: “Casemiro is absolutely ruining the press and give the ball away most of the time!!I don’t want him anywhere near this team against Arsenal!”

Others, though, believe his inclusion in the starting XI was a deliberate ploy by Amorim to show higher-ups he needed a new midfielder, with one theorising: “Wise of Amorim to pick Casemiro in midfield to highlight why we need Baleba,” while another suggested: “I honestly think Amorim has started Casemiro this game to show fans and the board how desperately this team needs a midfield upgrade. He’s been way off the pace already.”

With the additions in attack seemingly coming to an end with Sesko’s arrival on Saturday, attention has turned to potentially recruiting a new ball-winning midfielder and Carlos Baleba is believed to be high on Amorim’s wishlist. However, Brighton do not plan to make it easy for the Red Devils to secure a deal for the 21-year-old, demanding more than £100 million for the youngster.