Casemiro’s alarming performance against Liverpool raised serious questions about his role in Manchester United’s midfield under Erik ten Hag. The Brazilian maestro, once untouchable for his positional intelligence and ball-winning abilities, looked overrun and ineffective. It’s clear that without proper support, Casemiro is vulnerable against elite pressing teams like Liverpool. A solution? A 4-3-3 setup with the young Kobbie Mainoo and a ball-winner like Manuel Ugarte by his side.
Although Mainoo and Ugarte are not Kroos & Modric, this midfield combination can unlock Casemiro’s best attributes and ensure United’s midfield is well-prepared to face high pressing and technical sides.
The 4-3-3 Setup: Protecting Casemiro
In this setup, Casemiro would sit in his preferred deep-lying position, shielded by two energetic midfielders. Mainoo’s ability to move the ball progressively and Ugarte’s tireless ball-winning capability are key to providing the support Casemiro has been lacking. This partnership would relieve Casemiro of heavy defensive duties, allowing him to focus on interceptions, reading the game, and linking the defense and the midfield rather than being the vertical passer.
Mainoo’s youthful energy and positional awareness are crucial in ensuring that Casemiro doesn’t get caught out in defensive transitions. He can be the box-to-box midfielder, breaking up play and contributing to build-up, while Ugarte adds bite and industry to the central midfield, mirroring a role similar to that of Alexis McAllister at Liverpool.
The Bruno Dilemma: Sacrificing a Key Player for Midfield Control
The biggest tactical conundrum here is what to do with Bruno Fernandes. As one of United’s most influential players, Bruno thrives in the number 10 role or in a free position where he can influence the game with his creativity and vision. However, in a 4-3-3 formation where midfield balance and control are vital, Bruno would have to play either on the left or right of the forward line— a role that doesn’t maximize his creative instincts.
This sacrifice may be controversial, but against top teams, maintaining midfield control outweighs Bruno’s individual output. With Casemiro, Ugarte, and Mainoo locking down the middle, United would be better equipped to resist opposition pressure and win the midfield battle. Bruno’s tactical intelligence still allows him to influence the game from the wings or in a floating role, but Ten Hag must be willing to prioritize balance over star power in these key matches.
If Ten Hag wants to maximize Casemiro’s effectiveness, he must consider revamping the midfield with a more balanced setup. The inclusion of Mainoo and Ugarte could transform United’s central core from a vulnerable area into a powerful engine that enables them to control the tempo of big matches. While it may mean that Bruno Fernandes, United’s most creative player, is pushed into a less favorable role, the trade-off is probably necessary to compete with the best teams.
