Manchester United’s dismal 2024/25 season hit another low on Sunday as Ruben Amorim’s side fell to a 1-0 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The loss, which leaves United languishing in 15th place in the Premier League table, has sparked widespread criticism of the team’s performance and tactics. However, former Manchester City defender Micah Richards has come to the defence of Casemiro, insisting that the Brazilian midfielder is not solely to blame for United’s struggles.
A Season of Frustration Continues
The defeat to Tottenham was United’s 12th in the Premier League this season, a damning statistic that highlights the scale of the team’s regression under Ruben Amorim. James Maddison’s early goal proved to be the difference, as Spurs secured their first-ever Premier League double over the Red Devils, having also knocked them out of the Carabao Cup in December.
For United, the performance was yet another example of their inability to compete at the highest level. Despite having opportunities to equalise, the team lacked cohesion, creativity, and defensive solidity, with no player emerging from the game with any real credit.
Amorim’s decision to make just one substitution – bringing on debutant Chido Obi for Casemiro in injury time – raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike. The Portuguese manager’s reluctance to make changes earlier in the game was seen as a missed opportunity to inject fresh energy and ideas into a struggling side.
Casemiro’s Struggles Under the Microscope
Casemiro, who was restored to the starting XI due to the absences of Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte, and Toby Collyer, endured a difficult evening in North London. The Brazilian midfielder, once hailed as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, looked a shadow of his former self as he struggled to cope with Tottenham’s dynamic attacking play.
According to Sofascore, Casemiro lost possession 12 times, made two fouls, and was dribbled past four times during the match. His inability to keep up with the pace of the game was evident, and he often appeared isolated and overwhelmed in midfield.
However, Micah Richards believes that Casemiro’s struggles are symptomatic of a wider issue within the team, rather than a reflection of his individual decline.
Richards’ Defence of Casemiro: “He Needs Help in There”
Speaking on Match of the Day 2, Richards argued that Casemiro is being unfairly singled out for criticism and that his teammates must shoulder some of the blame for United’s midfield woes.
“A lot of people are quick to call Casemiro, but he needs help in there [United’s midfield],” Richards said. “His legs are not what they were, but he’s still got quality on the ball.”
Richards pointed to the lack of support Casemiro received from his teammates, particularly in Amorim’s three-at-the-back system. He highlighted the failure of United’s centre-backs to engage with Tottenham’s attackers, which left Casemiro exposed and outnumbered in midfield.
“When you play three at the back, the whole point is [that] one of your centre-backs should engage. They don’t engage, then you had Spurs players in the pockets, and you had three centre-halves doing nothing. Three centre-halves marking one player.”
The former England international also criticised the lack of cohesion between Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, who often found themselves too far apart to effectively control the midfield.
“To top it off, look at the distance between Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro,” Richards added. “They just didn’t get it right. Did he [Amorim] ask Bruno to play to the right? You can get your structure in there, and if Fernandes is gonna jump, you need one of your centre-halves to jump as well. You’ve all got to work together. Instead, they were working as individuals.”
A Systemic Issue: United’s Tactical Struggles
Richards’ analysis underscores the systemic issues plaguing Manchester United under Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese manager’s tactical setup, which relies heavily on a three-man defence and a high-pressing midfield, has failed to deliver consistent results this season.
The lack of understanding and coordination between the players has been a recurring theme, with individuals often appearing isolated and unsure of their roles. This was evident against Tottenham, where United’s midfield was repeatedly overrun, and their defence failed to provide adequate support.
For Casemiro, the challenge has been particularly acute. Once a dominant force in midfield, the 32-year-old has struggled to adapt to the physical and tactical demands of Amorim’s system. While his technical ability and experience remain valuable assets, his declining mobility has made him a liability in certain situations.
The Road Ahead: Can Amorim Turn Things Around?
As Manchester United prepare for their next Premier League fixture, the pressure on Ruben Amorim continues to mount. The Portuguese manager, who arrived at Old Trafford with a reputation as one of Europe’s most promising young coaches, has found the task of reviving United far more challenging than anticipated.
For Amorim, the key to turning things around lies in finding the right balance and structure within his team. Whether that means reverting to a more traditional formation, making changes to his starting XI, or bringing in new players in the summer, the Portuguese manager must act quickly to address the team’s shortcomings.
Conclusion: A Team in Need of Unity
Micah Richards’ defence of Casemiro serves as a reminder that Manchester United’s struggles cannot be attributed to any one player. The team’s issues are systemic, rooted in a lack of cohesion, understanding, and collective effort.
For United to climb out of their current predicament, they must find a way to work together as a unit, rather than as a collection of individuals. Only then can they hope to rediscover the form and identity that once made them one of the most feared teams in English football.
What do you think about Micah Richards’ comments on Casemiro and United’s midfield struggles? Should Amorim change his tactics, or is the problem deeper than that? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below or on our social media channels.
