For Manchester United, it was a long-anticipated night of disappointment, with several individuals delivering lackluster performances.
Undoubtedly, the most notable struggle came from Brazilian player Casemiro. The midfielder-turned-defender endured a nightmarish performance, drawing criticism from Jamie Carragher, who suggested it might be time for him to depart the club.
Regarding Casemiro's situation, Paul Merson believes that the decline of the former Real Madrid player reflects the current state of affairs in the Premier League.
Paul Merson recently discussed Casemiro's performance against Crystal Palace on Sky Sports, noting that the Brazilian's decline is indicative of the direction the entire league is heading.
"It was a sad day for Casemiro, it was. The man has been an unbelievable footballer, won the Champions League I don’t know how many times, top player, coming towards the end of his career."
"You know, the days of players lasting in the Premier League until they're 36 or 37 seem long gone now. The game has become so fast-paced, even at 32, it's nearing the end, in my opinion," remarked Merson.
United splashed out £70m for Casemiro and offered him substantial wages back in the summer of 2022. However, this decision has faced widespread criticism, and it appears the club is now bearing the consequences.
Casemiro needs to find solace elsewhere.
While one subpar season doesn't diminish a player's overall quality, it's clear that adjustments are needed.
The longer Casemiro remains in Manchester, the greater the risk of tarnishing his reputation. Instead of being remembered for his brilliant spell at Real Madrid, fans may recall his struggles at Manchester United.
Jamie Carragher echoed this sentiment on Monday Night Football, suggesting that a move to the MLS or Saudi Arabia would be beneficial for Casemiro at this stage of his career.
Unless he is nursing a significant injury, it's evident that he lacks the mobility required to compete at this level.
Therefore, it's imperative for United to offload him swiftly.