Rúben Amorim made a questionable decision, which left fans confused in Manchester United’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.
Manchester United sealed a last-minute equaliser in a close 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur with a nervy ending for both sides.
Bryan Mbeumo began the afternoon’s scoring with a clean header on the end of a delicate Amad cross, finding the back of the Spurs net and leaving the home side trailing at halftime.
But Spurs were fast out of the blocks in the second half, forcing Senne Lammens into action multiple times. The Belgian kept Spurs at bay until the 84th minute when Mathys Tel found the net from close range. The momentum remained in Spurs’ favour and Richarlison took the lead, flicking on Wilson Odobert’s attempt from distance, handing Spurs the lead in the 91st minute.
But United, despite being down to 10 men due to injury, found a way to secure a point. Matthijs de Ligt leapt into the air to get on the end of a Bruno Fernandes corner, levelling the score in the 96th minute.
However, it is hard to ignore the turning point where United looked even more vulnerable without one star in particular on the field.
Casemiro’s requested departure left United vulnerable
Throughout the first half, the Spurs forwards were isolated entirely as the home team struggled to progress the ball through the midfield. Brazilian veteran Casemiro was heavily responsible for this as his reading of the game continued to break up any Tottenham attacks.
So, it came as a surprise to United fans as the star was taken off despite his ‘unreal‘ performance. However, Brazilian journalist Fred Caldeira later confirmed that the 33-year-old had requested to be substituted after a rough collision.
Casemiro was replaced by fellow South American, Manuel Ugarte, who has recently been criticised for not bringing the desired quality to Rúben Amorim’s side despite his expensive move from Paris Saint-Germain.
Instantly, United looked like a weaker side without Casemiro on the field to combat the tricky moves of the Spurs forwards; however, it was made clear that the Brazilian asked to be taken off.
The 33-year-old took a heavy hit before his substitution as Pape Sarr came steaming into the Brazilian and clashed off the ball.
Casemiro has been vital to United’s recent success
It seems as though having one game per week has suited Casemiro brilliantly at United. Having no European football has allowed the midfielder to recover before each game and feature more consistently in United’s squad.
However, Casemiro is nearing the end of his contract at United, and fans do question who will fill his shoes after he leaves. He currently plays a crucial part in United’s defensive contributions within his role alongside Bruno Fernandes.
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Initially, Casemiro was not in Amorim’s first choice of midfielders, but the class that he has shown recently has cemented his name as a starter for Amorim, especially considering the lack of other suitable profiles at United.
United fans will be hopeful that Casemiro’s request does not impact their next game, which will see United host an exciting Everton side fresh off a 2-0 win against Fulham.
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