Alan Shearer says it was ‘tough’ to watch ‘distinctly average’ Casemiro in Manchester United’s defeat to Liverpool

Former England and Newcastle striker Alan Shearer says he has found it ‘tough’ going watching Casemiro’s recent performances for Manchester United.

Casemiro endured a difficult end to last season filling in as a makeshift centre-back at United and the midfielder’s struggles continued at the weekend as the Red Devils were humbled at home to Liverpool.

A clinical brace from Luis Diaz gave Liverpool a healthy head at the halfway stage and Casemiro was largely at fault for both goals after twice giving away possession at Old Trafford.

Just moments into the second half, the Brazil midfielder was hauled off for Toby Collyer and United’s afternoon soon went from bad to worse as Mohamed Salah increased the visitors’ advantage in the 56th minute.

Footage subsequently emerged which appeared to show Casemiro leaving the the stadium before the final whistle, though Erik ten Hag insisted this was not the case when he faced the media.

It remains to be seen if Casemiro will continue his run in Ten Hag’s starting XI when United return to Premier League action against Southampton after the international break.

There have even been rumours that the five-time Champions League winner could be set for a loan move from United to Galatasaray, with discussions reportedly in place between the two clubs.

‘I hate seeing great players fail on the football pitch, and with what Casemiro’s achieved, where he’s played, what he’s won, he’s had a phenomenal career – but it happens to all of us. You’re not as good as what you used to be,’ Shearer told Betfair.

‘Having said that, I think he’s being asked to play a slightly different role in this Man United team, and it’s not something he’s used to, and he and they got punished.

‘It is tough to see a great player making the errors that he made – it’s not nice to see because right throughout his career, he’s been great and has played for great teams.

‘At the weekend though, he looked distinctly average. He’s the only one who can tell you how he feels but on Sunday he looked like a very average player that’s tough to see for anyone.’

Shearer believes it will be ‘really difficult’ for Ten Hag to remain in charge of United should his side fail to show immediate signs of progression after back-to-back losses in the top flight.

‘Man United’s results will have to improve massively for Ten Hag to still be at the club at Christmas. A lot will depend on their next two results,’ Shearer – the Premier League’s all-time top scorer – added.

‘After the defeat to Brighton and the manner of defeat to Liverpool, if the team doesn’t see a massive improvement in the next game or two then it will be really, really difficult for him because the noise will only get louder.’

Marcus Rashford has been a shadow of his former self over the past 12 months and Shearer feels the forward may need to depart United to return to his frightening best.

‘In his current form, I don’t see Marcus Rashford reviving his England career. I personally don’t know his mentality, or what his approach is in terms of training, but there’s only one way back, which is to train and have the right attitude,’ he went on.

‘But looking from the outside, for me, he should have left Man United to reignite his career because he’s gone very static for whatever reason, and it hasn’t worked for him  for a while now.  

‘Only Marcus can answer how much he wants to get back to scoring 30 goals a season.’

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