Manchester United's reliance on Casemiro was starkly highlighted in a goalless draw at Sunderland, where the team failed to register a shot on target until stoppage time. The Brazilian midfielder's absence due to a minor issue forced head coach Michael Carrick into a tactical reshuffle, and the result laid bare the club's lack of depth in midfield.
United have now failed to win any of the four league games this season when the 34-year-old has been absent from the starting lineup. At the Stadium of Light, they managed just one shot on target—Matheus Cunha's effort deep into stoppage time—and were outplayed by a Sunderland side that had more possession, more attempts, and a higher expected goals tally.
With Casemiro out and deputy Manuel Ugarte also missing, Carrick opted to deploy Kobbie Mainoo in a deeper role alongside Mason Mount, rather than dropping Mainoo back fully or giving 19-year-old Tyler Fletcher his first start. The result was a disjointed performance that lacked creativity and control.
"It had to be Mainoo and Mount," Carrick explained after the match, acknowledging the limited options. The decision left United's attack isolated and unable to link play effectively. Sunderland manager Regis le Bris noted his side "had more control" and expressed disappointment at not taking all three points.
The performance reinforced concerns about United's squad depth. Carrick made five changes to the side that beat Brighton, but the overall quality dip was evident. Midfield reinforcement has been a priority this summer, with Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson top of the wishlist. Other targets include Brighton's Carlos Baleba, Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, West Ham's Mateus Fernandes, and Bournemouth's Alex Scott.
Le Bris offered insight into why replacing a player like Casemiro is so difficult. "Players of that experience bring much more than what is obvious on the pitch," he said, comparing Casemiro to his own 33-year-old midfielder Granit Xhaka. "They manage the momentum and flow of the game, even when it's emotional. They manage teammates and the flow of the squad."
That intangibility suggests United may need two or three signings to replicate Casemiro's influence—especially if Ugarte departs. The club's recruitment team faces a summer of crucial decisions to address the imbalance.
Carrick bristled at suggestions his team might be "on the beach" with their league position virtually secure in third. "I almost get offended," he said, pointing to the players' preparation and effort. He also cautioned against drawing sweeping conclusions from a single game. "Don't think the whole assessment will be judged on one or two games," he added.
Yet with only two matches remaining—against Nottingham Forest and Brighton—the season is almost over, and judgment is imminent. United's shortest campaign in living memory will end soon, and the evidence of Sunday suggests that without Casemiro, the team lacks cutting edge. Strengthening the midfield is no longer just a priority; it is an urgent necessity.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.
