MIDFIELDER Fabio Carvalho sent Casemiro into early retirement during Liverpool’s 3-0 preseason demolition of Manchester United, say fans.
And if the result – United’s second straight defeat to a Premier League side in the USA – wasn’t bad enough, their leaky defence has added to Erik ten Hag’s ever-growing list of headaches.
A week after the Red Devils lost 2-1 to Arsenal, they ended their preseason tour in South Carolina in embarrassing defeat to Arne Slot‘s solid side.
Any hope of a positive performance from United didn’t last long as Carvalho put Liverpool in front inside the first 10 minutes.
Curtis Jones doubled their lead before half-time and Kostas Tsimikas rounded things off after the restart.
Fans were left reeling and worried for what’s to come in a week’s time – as they face rivals Manchester City in the Community Shield at Wembley.
United fans were particularly unhappy with the first goal and Casemiro‘s role in the build-up.
Carvalho danced into the penalty area and quickly twisted around Casemiro who stumbled as he looked to turn and stop the shot.
It was a sad sight for a star who was once one of the most fearsome defensive midfielders in the world.
A sudden injury kept Casemiro out of United’s squad on the day they beat Man City 2-1 in FA Cup final, but had been performing badly in the final weeks of last season.
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And the Old Trafford faithful were quick to voice their frustrations on social media.
One said: “Carvalho sent Casemiro into an early retirement.”
A second wrote: “I am losing patience with Casemiro. Find a solution to sell him.”
A third added: “Love him but he shouldn’t be starting for Manchester United anymore.”
While anther declared: “There’s no question that Casemiro should leave the only problem is we seem to be unable to sell him.”
Casemiro won just two of his seven duels during the 90 minutes, losing possession a whopping 16 times.
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The 32-year-old was listed for transfer at the start of the window, but a move away looks unlikely with many clubs unable to afford his £350,000 weekly wage.
He is United’s highest paid player on £18.2m per year, above Marcus Rashford who nets £15.6m annually.
New defensive signing Yoro Leny has been ruled out for three months, alongside Rasmus Hojlund – who will miss the first six weeks of the season.
Meanwhile, Man City ran out 4-2 winners over Chelsea after an Erling Haaland hattrick in Ohio.
