Manchester United’s Midfield Struggles: Was Letting James Garner Leave a Mistake Amid Casemiro’s Decline?
Manchester United’s struggles in recent seasons, despite heavy investment in the squad, highlight deep-rooted issues that remain unresolved.
Erik ten Hag, now in his third season at Old Trafford, has faced mounting pressure to push the team back to the top of the Premier League, with expectations heightened by a fanbase growing impatient with lackluster performances.
Despite signings in key areas, midfield problems persist, and some personnel decisions are now being questioned.
Casemiro’s Struggles at United
Casemiro’s £70m arrival from Real Madrid in 2022 was seen as a major coup, expected to bring leadership, experience, and stability to Manchester United’s midfield.
However, the Brazilian has struggled to replicate his Madrid form in the Premier League, being sent off twice and often looking outpaced in a fast, physically demanding league.
His recent performance in a 3-0 defeat to Liverpool—where he was at fault for two goals and substituted at halftime—underlined his disappointing trajectory.
The 32-year-old’s struggles have raised questions about whether United should have explored moving him on, especially with Saudi Arabian clubs showing interest last season.
Missed Opportunity with James Garner
One decision that has come back to haunt United is the sale of James Garner to Everton for £9m in 2022. Garner, a product of the club’s academy, has flourished at Goodison Park, accumulating valuable first-team experience under Sean Dyche. Garner’s impressive stats from last season, compared to Casemiro’s, suggest he could have been a better option in United’s midfield:
- Progressive carries per 90: Garner (1.1) vs. Casemiro (0.6)
- Key passes per 90: Garner (1.32) vs. Casemiro (0.73)
- Shot-creating actions per 90: Garner (2.93) vs. Casemiro (1.86)
- Errors leading to goals: Garner (1) vs. Casemiro (2)
Garner has shown an ability to influence games creatively, with better stats in areas like progressive carries and shot-creating actions. He’s also demonstrated fewer defensive lapses, making him a more reliable option than the aging Casemiro.
United’s Midfield Conundrum
With Casemiro struggling to adapt, the decision to offload Garner seems increasingly questionable. At just 23, Garner still has room for growth and could have provided United with a dynamic, reliable presence in midfield, helping to address some of the long-standing issues in the middle of the park.
Instead, United find themselves relying on a declining Casemiro, while Garner continues to impress at Everton.
In hindsight, United may have been better served keeping Garner and developing him further, instead of leaning on expensive but fading stars like Casemiro.
As the club tries to regain its competitive edge, this kind of decision-making will be crucial for their long-term success.
Manchester United’s Midfield Struggles: Was Letting James Garner Leave a Mistake Amid Casemiro’s Decline?
