Ex-Manchester United ace Lee Sharpe has picked out Casemiro as one of two players who could be axed from Erik ten Hag’s squad in the near future.
Casemiro was blasted recently for his performance during United’s disappointing home defeat against Liverpool, with the Brazil international hooked at half-time by manager Ten Hag.
The three-time European champions had penned a £50million deal for Manuel Ugarte prior to the Liverpool game, but Ten Hag was unable to call upon the Uruguayan for last month’s Old Trafford clash.
Unsurprisingly, Casemiro didn’t return to the XI for United’s first Premier League fixture back after the international break, with Sharpe questioning whether his time in the starting line-up could be limited.
Speaking to Express Sport in association with NewBettingSites.uk about the midfielder, Sharpe said: “It’s difficult to say that any player should be worried about their position in the team after just four games.
“Casemiro made a few obvious mistakes and gave goals away against Liverpool, but then so did Kobbie Mainoo.
“But I don’t think we’ll be seeing as much of Casemiro now that United have signed Manuel Ugarte.”
However, the ex-Red Devils forward is predicting plenty of upheaval within the squad across the next couple of transfer windows.
Alongside 32-year-old Casemiro, Sharpe believes Luke Shaw could also be at risk of being phased out.
He continued: “Looking more long-term, I’d also mention Luke Shaw. He’s one of the best left-backs in the world when he’s fit, but he can’t seem to stay fit. I think that might be a long-term problem for him.”
Any future squad issues could hinge on who is in charge of the team, with talk Ten Hag could be moved on by INEOS if performances don’t start to pick up.
And Sharpe did concede Ten Hag could be out of a job by the turn of the new year.
On the Dutchman’s future, Sharpe commented: “I think he’ll at least be given until Christmas, then they’ll see where they stand. The performance against Southampton was better and there were positive signs.
“There are still bits of inconsistency creeping in and they’re conceding a lot of chances, but there were also some positive signs. I’d give Ten Hag until at least Christmas, if not the end of the season.”
United are back in action this weekend when they travel to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace in the Saturday tea-time kick-off.
