Manchester United star admits “sleepless nights” following Rio Ferdinand criticism

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has claimed he cannot sleep because of the Red Devils’ poor form, with Rio Ferdinand highly critical of his Liverpool performance.

Casemiro, 32, signed for United in August of 2022, arriving as one of Erik ten Hag’s first signings at the club.

In the time since his £60 million arrival, the Brazillian midfielder played an integral part in United’s Carabao Cup success of last year, but has seen a drop-off in his form this campaign.

Read More: Man United SLAMMED for not being “a proper team” in Liverpool legend rant

Widely reported as being a priority target of several Saudi Pro League sides, Casemiro’s future at Old Trafford now seems less and less certain. Alongside this, it has been claimed by several sources that United see Wolves’ Joao Gomes as a ready-made replacement for the senior Brazillian.

Making eighteen Premier League appearances so far this season, Casemiro’s efforts have not been able to stop United falling further and further behind the leading clubs of the league, with the Reds now sitting in sixth place with a negative goal difference.

Former United defender and club legend Rio Ferdinand was very critical of the Brazilian’s performance against Liverpool on the weekend.

“There’s huge spaces on the pitch whenever United play at the moment,” Ferdinand said on his FIVE YouTube channel. “I don’t care who you are – you look at Casemiro, he’s hugely experienced and won everything – but even he at times today looked open and exposed because the gaps between the midfielders is so big.

“I don’t think it matters who you are, it would be so difficult to look a good player in that midfield. We look like a drunk fighter on his last legs.”

Discussing the Red Devils’ poor season, Casemiro admitted after the Liverpool loss that United’s form has given him sleepless nights.

“It’s difficult. This is the point that bothers me most about not fighting for titles,” Casemiro told ESPN Brazil.

“Being 20 points behind first place. Sometimes, I can’t even sleep to try to think about doing something different. It’s reality. There’s no point in thinking about title or Champions League places, we need to think about today’s games.”

“We need to think about the day-to-day, we had the opportunity to score nine points in the last few games and we scored two. We were upset. We have to think game by game and focus on the next match, against Bournemouth.”

Analysing United’s recent 2-2 draw against Liverpool in more detail, Casemiro added the following: “The game [vs Liverpool] was very fast-paced and well-played. A classic. We were playing against one of the leaders of the competition and [a team] who is going through a good moment. We responded well.

“Both teams had opportunities. The game was good. At home we are strong, but we played against a great team. We have to think about the next match.”