"Don't get it": Ex-Premier League star completely baffled by the decline of Man Utd midfielder
World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf is completely baffled by Casemiro’s decline since joining Manchester United in 2022.
Erik ten Hag’s side suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat against Crystal Palace in their latest Premier League outing on Monday.
United were completely outplayed by Oliver Glasner’s side at Selhurst Park. Several players were criticised by fans and pundits, including Casemiro.
The 32-year-old was dribbled past seven times. He also completed just five of his 14 long balls and lost possession on 17 occasions.
Leboeuf, who won the 1998 World Cup with France, expressed his disbelief about the midfielder’s decline in the last two years.
He told ESPN FC: “We don’t know what’s going on in the dressing room but how come, from Real Madrid, even if you’re not the player you used to be, you can lose almost everything in almost two seasons?
“I don’t get it. I don’t believe (it) because I was such a fan of Casemiro. What I saw yesterday (Monday) is somebody who lost the appetite – lost the feeling.
“He is not the one that I know with all the football knowledge we’ve seen throughout the years he played for Real Madrid and Brazil. That’s not understandable for me.”
United wanted to sign Frenkie de Jong in 2022, but the Dutchman didn’t want to leave Barcelona. The Red Devils ultimately sealed a £70 million move for Casemiro.
He enjoyed an impressive first season as United sealed a third-place finish in the Premier League. However, he has struggled with poor form and injuries this season.
Casemiro has a contract at United until 2026 but the club will likely move him on in the summer transfer window.
Stats from Sofascore.