Adrian Clarke looks at key tactical points and players who can be decisive in Matchweek 16.
Casemiro (MUN)
The arrival of the Brazilian in the summer transfer window has reinforced Manchester United’s midfield in spectacular style.
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The 30-year-old had to be patient, waiting for his first Premier League start under Erik ten Hag, but since making a superb full debut against Everton in early October he has been a fixture in the heart of midfield.
Using all his experience, the five-time UEFA Champions League winner has displayed tremendous authority, composure, and positional discipline.
Casemiro has solidified United’s spine by protecting the back four, making them significantly harder to break down.
This is not solely down to the signing from Real Madrid, but the statistics prove he has made an overwhelmingly positive impact in that key defensive-midfield role.
Putting a shaky start to the season behind them, United are in far better shape with Casemiro in the side. As the table below shows, United are facing fewer shots and are reducing the Expected Goals Against (xGA) when Casemiro plays.
Man Utd's defensive comparison
| Without Casemiro | With Casemiro | |
| Shots faced/90 | 15.7 | 9.0 |
| xGA/90 | 1.61 | 0.83 |
Almost all of Casemiro’s contributions take place between both penalty boxes, within a corridor that is the width of those areas down the centre of the pitch. He is rarely drawn out of position.
In possession he drops in to receive passes, or to take a marker with him that creates space for others. Off the ball he focuses on regains and protecting the centre-backs behind him.
He produced an outstanding individual performance in the 1-1 draw at Chelsea, highlighting his role in the team.
Interestingly, Casemiro’s only touch inside the Chelsea box was his brilliant headed equaliser, one of just three touches in the opposition area he has made in 619 minutes of action.
💥 @Casemiro's first United goal couldn't have come at a better time! ❤️#MUFC || #CHEMUN
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 22, 2022
Casemiro was also in fantastic form during United’s 2-0 win at home to Tottenham Hotspur.
That night he won four tackles, made two interceptions, and also claimed 10 ball recoveries for Ten Hag’s side.
When the time is right, Casemiro will leave his station to recover possession for his team.
Smart acquisition
Keeping the ball well, he also feeds a lot of sharp forward passes into team-mates ahead of him.
In his primary role as a ball winner, the Brazilian has also excelled.
Just six starts into his Premier League career, Casemiro leads the United rankings for most of the key defensive metrics.
Casemiro's defensive ranking*
| Stat | Per 90 | MUN rank |
|---|---|---|
| Ball recoveries | 7.71 | 1st |
| Possession won | 4.22 | 1st |
| Interceptions | 1.60 | 1st |
| Tackles won | 1.89 | 1st |
*Min five starts
Casemiro experienced his first below-par performance in the 3-1 defeat at Aston Villa last weekend.
United’s shape was pulled around too easily that day and, as a collective, they struggled to cope with Villa’s aggressive counter-pressing.
On Sunday they face Fulham, who have been fantastic in central midfield this season, thanks in part to a strong partnership between Harrison Reed and Joao Palhinha.
Reed is suspended for this match, and his absence might just hand United the initiative they seek inside the middle third.
With the world-class Casemiro in the starting XI, do not be surprised if United dominate that midfield battle at Craven Cottage.
