No individual player is the answer to Manchester United’s problems | Jonathan Wilson
Casemiro display against Liverpool was painful, but the blame for United’s early season struggles sits with an incoherent structure
In his beginning is his end; now the night falls. Two years ago, before their third game of the season, against Liverpool, having lost one of the games they’d played 2-1 to Brighton, Manchester United presented Casemiro before an adoring crowd at Old Trafford. At the weekend, before their third game of the season, against Liverpool, having lost one of the games they’d played 2-1 to Brighton, Manchester United withdrew Casemiro before a despairing crowd at Old Trafford. Two years ago, United won 2-1; on Sunday, they lost 3-0, and it could have been a lot worse.
It was, frankly, painful to watch: a player who once commanded games, who has won four Champions Leagues, been integral to one of the most successful sides in history, reduced to a player so devoid of confidence even the basics looked a challenge. The early signs this season had been promising. There was a sense that Casemiro was sharper again, that the concerns about his fitness that had plagued last season might have been surmounted. But on Sunday his pass accuracy was just 73%, way off what is acceptable for a defensive midfielder, and his errors cost the opening two goals.
And yet there is a context. Eleven minutes in to the second half, Kobbie Mainoo was dispossessed leading to Liverpool’s third. Manuel Ugarte, who was presented before kick-off after his £42m ($55m) move from Paris Saint-Germain, must have wondered what he’s got himself into. The United holding position is like the Siege Perilous in Arthurian legend; eventually one will come who is worthy of achieving the Grail but until then whoever takes that position is doomed.
It’s not just about individuals. United now seem to be in a similar position to the pre-Mikel Areta Arsenal. The structure has failed and so hopes are placed in individuals. Which is daft enough when the player involved is as talented as Mesut Özil, but eventually you end up believing Nicolas Pépé is the answer to your prayers. Ugarte may turn out to be an upgrade on Casemiro, but no one player can ever be the answer.
Ugarte will need a better system around him and that’s where the focus begins to shift and the camera comes to rest on Erik ten Hag. Even with allowances for the position they inherited, how can it be that, three games into his reign at Anfield, Arne Slot has created a more coherent midfield than Ten Hag, now in his third year at Old Trafford, has managed. How can it be that, of all the former Ajax players in the pitch on Sunday, the best was Ryan Gravenberch?
Date: |
Topics
-
ABC News - Sports
Braelon Allen, NFL's youngest player, scores 2 TDs to help Aaron Rodgers and Jets beat Titans 24-17
Braelon Allen ran for a 20-yard touchdown with 4:31 left to put the New York Jets ahead to stay for good as they beat the Tennessee Titans 24-17 on Sunday11 minutes ago - NFL -
BBC News - Top stories
Brilliant Vu seals United States' Solheim Cup win
Solheim Cup: Lilia Vu seals United States victory over Europe in Virginia1 hour ago -
CBS Sports - Sports
Steelers' Russell Wilson inactive for second straight week, Justin Fields to start vs. Broncos
No revenge game for Russell Wilson1 hour ago - NFL -
ABC News - Sports
United States captures the Solheim Cup for the first time since 2017, ending a run of three straight by Europe
United States captures the Solheim Cup for the first time since 2017, ending a run of three straight by Europe1 hour ago -
CBS Sports - Sports
2024 Solheim Cup leaderboard, scores: United States beats Europe for first time in seven years
Lilia Vu's clinching point put the cup back in the United States' hands ending a drought dating back to 20171 hour ago
More from The Guardian
-
The Guardian - World
Trump ‘safe’ after gunshots reported at his golf course – follow live
Incident occurred at Trump National Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, where ex-president was playing. Donald Trump has released the following statement after reports of gunshots being fired ...21 minutes ago - Donald Trump -
The Guardian - World
‘Catastrophe of epic proportions’: eight drown in Europe amid heavy floods
Storm Boris has caused rivers to burst banks and trapped people in their homes across Austria, Poland and Slovakia. Eight people have drowned in Austria, Poland and Romania and four others are ...5 hours ago -
The Guardian - World
Eight people dead in attempt to cross Channel, say French authorities
Investigation opens in France into deaths as David Lammy says UK could process asylum claimants in third country. Eight people died overnight trying to cross the Channel from France to England, ...4 hours ago -
The Guardian - World
Netanyahu tells Houthis they will pay ‘heavy price’ as missile hits Israel
Rebel group claims what would be first missile to have landed in Israel from Yemen, but no reports of casualties. The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has warned Yemen’s Houthi rebels ...2 hours ago - Israel -
The Guardian - World
South Africa school language law stirs Afrikaans learning debate
The DA party argues Afrikaans education will be harmed, while the ANC says law is necessary to redress inequality. A contentious South African education law has drawn furious condemnation from ...8 hours ago