Manchester United are expecting to fight for the Premier League title this season after finishing third last season, but Jamie Carragher believes they won’t be able to do so until they dramatically improve their midfield.
The Red Devils have signed England international Mason Mount this summer, but they are still aiming to get Atalanta midfielder Sofyan Amrabat before the transfer window closes.
They began the new Premier League season with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday, but they struggled to impress in the middle of the pitch, and Carragher believes a lack of a combative midfielder could cost them.
“The 7-0 defeat at Anfield, when Casemiro was subbed after 76 minutes, was a red flag,” the Sky Sports analyst told the Telegraph.
“Another was United’s first performance of the season, a 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday Night Football.” Casemiro was frequently alone and lacked the enthusiasm and energy required for a position of such responsibility.
“Every time United toiled in the middle, the contrast with the youth and vigor secured by Arsenal and Chelsea’s recent midfield purchases became more pronounced.”
“For decades, all of the massive football spending was directed toward strikers or attacking players.” A few years ago, central defenders were commanding world-record fees. Coaches are now desperate for resilience in the face of high-pressing clubs.
“Casemiro used to be as good as anyone in the world.” There is now a risk that United will be forced to pay for a luxury that they cannot afford. They will not be title contenders until they find their own Rodri, (Moises) Caicedo, or (Declan) Rice.”
Casemiro turns 32 in February and is nearing the end of his career, so it’s no surprise that manager Erik Ten Hag wants Amrabat.
Carragher is never afraid to question anything that happens at Manchester United, and while he was proven wrong about Lisandro Martinez last season, he is partially correct about the Brazilian midfielder.
He couldn’t keep up against Wolves and the Red Devils desperately need another quality midfielder if they want to get the most out of the former Real Madrid great.
Signing a top defensive midfielder would enhance their chances, and they will want to complete a deal for Amrabat, who is capable of hitting the ground running at Old Trafford.
