Richards claims one United player is ‘not the same’ since joining, while another is being ‘slaughtered’ in the media

It’s been nothing short of a turbulent season at Old Trafford, which has seen plenty of players come under the microscope for their performances.

A significant drop-off that fans were quick to point out this term is Casemiro, who now looks a shadow of the formidable version of himself we all witnessed in his maiden Manchester United campaign.

Now 32 years old, the Brazilian is one of the most experienced and senior members of the squad. His illustrious career with Real Madrid led to him being regarded as one of the greatest defensive midfielders to take to the pitch, and it caught almost everyone by surprise when he swapped white for red in 2022.

Since joining United, he has, of course, been surrounded by an entirely different crop of players, and it’s no secret that the pace of the Premier League can catch anyone out when transitioning from another division.

To say Casemiro took it under his stride last season, he’s frequently looked sluggish when featuring throughout the past nine months. So much so that he’s fallen victim to the classic case of ‘his legs have gone’.

It remains to be seen where his future lies beyond the current campaign, although given that his contract runs until 2026 and United forked out £70 million for his services, it’s unlikely that they’ll be looking to sell him and take such a hit on what they paid.

Similarly, Casemiro ranks as the club’s highest earner on an outrageous £350,000 per week, so he won’t be in any rush to part ways any time soon.

Casemiro’s fall from grace

Micah Richards weighed in on the veteran’s lacklustre run of form on CBS Sports last night.

“Look at how many great players Man United have had over the years,” the former Manchester City star began. “[Paul] Pogba went there. When he was at Juventus, I played against him. He was one of the best players in the world. He goes to Man United, [but] it doesn’t work out for him.

“[Bruno] Fernandes is being slaughtered in the media at times. He’s performing now in a team where he’s frustrated.

“Casemiro goes there from Real Madrid… he’s not the same Casemiro. They’ve got internal and external problems at Man United.”