Fans speculate 'confidence' as reason behind Casemiro's recent poor form with Manchester United

Fans have an interesting theory as to why Casemiro has been unable to replicate his early to mid-season form for Manchester United recently.

After his highly publicized £70 million transfer from Real Madrid last summer, the Brazilian midfielder has stood out as one of United's top performers for extended periods of the season.

Under Erik ten Hag's management, he has made 43 appearances across all competitions and remains a crucial component of their midfield.

WhoScored reports that this season in the Premier League, the 31-year-old has made a tackle every 23.8 minutes, an impressive statistic that is surpassed only by Joao Palhinha of Fulham.

One could make a case that Casemiro's performance has recently declined. During United's underwhelming 2-2 draw against Spurs on Thursday night, the Brazilian player only managed to execute a single successful tackle and interception.

In addition, he had 15 instances of losing possession and only won one of four ground duels he participated in. Furthermore, the ex-Real Madrid midfielder was successfully dribbled past by the opposition three times.

It's natural for a player to experience a decline in form at some point during the season. However, fans have observed that Casemiro has been more cautious in his tackling lately.

As a result, some have speculated that Casemiro's confidence may have been affected by the two red cards he received earlier this year against Crystal Palace and Southampton.

United fan and YouTuber Mark Goldbridge said: "Casemiro hasn't been the same since he came back. Top sport is about fine margins. He's had two red cards no other player would get in the league. It's clearly impacting his confidence. Well done Refs. Another stain on your crap season."

A second supporter made a similar point after the Spurs game, saying: "I have no doubt that refs have destroyed Casemiro. He has become afraid to make tackles and his confidence has been ruined. It is a massive problem as his game has been destroyed by these refs."

A third wrote: "Not sure if it's a lack of confidence after his two red cards but Casemiro is a shell of player he was in the mid season period. So timid and ineffective."

A fourth noted: "I can’t be the only one thinking our refs have ruined Casemiro’s confidence. Petrified to put a challenge in since back from suspension," while a fifth added: "Casemiro is just not the same player since his two sendings off. He’s lost his game intensity and confidence."

Casemiro hasn't been the sane since he came back. Top sport is about fine margins. He's had two red cards no other player would get in the league. It's clearly impacting his confidence. Well done Refs. Another stain on your crap season

— Mark Goldbridge (@markgoldbridge) April 28, 2023

 Casemiro, who also missed United's crucial game against Arsenal in January after picking up his fifth booking of the season, served a four match suspension after being sent off against Southampton.