Roy Keane has blasted Casemiro’s central defensive role during Manchester United’s humiliating 4-0 defeat. at Crystal Palace on Monday.
He also clashed with Ian Wright again, after the two clashed last month during a discussion about Bruno Fernandes and whether the Red Devils captain is a good influence in the club’s dressing room. club.
Keane was particularly scathing of Casemiro’s performance during the match, as he was involved in two of Palace’s four goals that evening – and also lambasted his Man United teammates for not having him help.
In the latest episode of the Stick to Football podcast, there was an intense discussion about Manchester United, with the Irishman claiming that ‘Casemiro is the last player you would want to play in central defense against Palace,’ after Oliver Glasner’s side’s recent goalscoring form, scoring five against West Ham, and even twice against Man City – but admitted that the Brazilian defender had a “shock”.
He later added: “Of all the players at Manchester United, including the reserves and youth team, if there was one player I wouldn’t play in central defense against Crystal Palace, it would be the one I wouldn’t play. Aaron Wan-Bissaka or someone else!’
Roy Keane was scathing about Casemiro’s performance in central defense against Crystal Palace
Casemiro was involved in two of Palace’s four goals against Manchester United on Monday.
Keane and Ian Wright had another heated conversation after Man United’s defeat at Crystal Palace
Keane added: “Casemiro was isolated. He was isolated by his own fault, because he did not attract the people around him, and we must take responsibility for that.
“But if we’re talking about a team game, structure this and structure that, playing between the lines, that’s all well and good, but when you’re up against it, you need your teammates around you. There’s the whole idea of playing as a team.
The Irishman also noted: “I watched Casemiro the other night and he was having a bad time, but he wasn’t getting any help from the other players. If your legs are going a little bit, you have people around you (to help you), and this is where he should have done better with his experience.
“But defensively, he didn’t get any help from anyone. Defensively, they were everywhere!
Podcaster Jamie Carragher had a brutal assessment of Casemiro’s performance against Crystal Palace, telling the Brazil captain to “end it” – something Wright had previously objected to.
Wright told the podcast: “I remember watching (Casemiro vs Palace) and I always fight against someone in the paper, whether it’s you (Gary Neville), you (Carragher) or you (Keane), the People always dig me out saying “what’s going on?” your friend is talking about now?!
“I was thinking about it myself when I was getting to the end and people were saying ‘it’s over, it’s over’. We are talking about a player who is a Brazilian captain, only 32 years old and in a team without structure and he is just there in space to expose himself. I just felt like at that point, like with League Two (Keane’s previous comment on Man City’s Erling Haaland), it just took him to another place.
“At the same time, you look at his career and his performances, but when you’re that exposed, you’re like ‘what can he do?!'”
Jamie Carragher was quick to criticize Casemiro and urged him to “stop it”.
Crystal Palace’s speed and trickery proved too much for Casemiro and Man United to handle.
Keane previously criticized Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, calling him a “League Two player”.
Keane hit the headlines in March for his scathing criticism of the Norwegian Man City striker, who he criticized for his overall play at a time when he was struggling to find fitness.
Wright and Keane also clashed over a discussion about management styles, after Glasner’s Crystal Palace side put in an outstanding performance against Erik ten Hag’s Man United.
Wright, who worked at Palace from 1985 to 1991, said: “I’m thinking with (ten Hag), what more is this manager going to do? (With Glasner) In 13 games, look at Palace, they have changed.
“Obviously they went with (Frank) de Boer. It did not work. Then they went to Roy (Hodgson). They then went with Patrick (Vieira) and it didn’t work. Back to Roy.
“They want to do something that will allow them to go elsewhere and they have now found a manager who has also won things. Let’s face it. And look at the Palace team…”
Keane chimed in here: “Are you comparing Crystal Palace to Man United? Where are Palace in the league? Palace are in a good little home run.
“Yes, but Palace have just changed managers,” replied Wright.
Keane asked: “So Palace have all the answers?”, before speaking furiously about the former Arsenal legend. “Do you know why they are fine, Palace? They have two of their best players playing. They have two very good players. Palace are 14th in the league, so don’t get excited about Crystal Palace.
Keane was frustrated that Wright chose to compare Manchester United to Crystal Palace
Wright was ‘delighted’ that new manager Oliver Glasner had turned things around in south London
Glasner has proven himself in first 13 games since taking charge at Selhurst Park
Wright replied: “Yes, I don’t care where they are. This has nothing to do with getting excited about Crystal Palace. What excites me about Palace is that their manager is changing something.
Manchester United face Arsenal, Newcastle and Brighton in their final Premier League matches as they look to secure a European place, while Crystal Palace face Wolves and Aston Villa.
Roy Keane and Ian Wright were speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, presented by Sky Bet.