24 August 2023 , 07:53
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Danny Murphy has backed under-fire Manchester United star Casemiro to get back to his best this season, despite criticism from Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher.
Carragher has branded Casemiro a "panic buy" and warned he is "going to get really exposed" this season. The Brazilian has struggled in United's first two games of the season and was previously the target of criticism from Graeme Souness, who repeatedly claimed Casemiro was simply a "steady Eddie".
However, Murphy has defended the 31-year-old, highlighting his performances over the last decade and suggesting he still has at least two years left at the highest level.
When asked about Carragher and Souness' comments on talkSPORT, Murphy said: "I don't think he's a 'Steady Eddie'. I think he's a hell of a lot better than that. It's all about the dynamic of the team, the way someone fits in and the way people perceive you to be.
"He's a holding midfielder. If he was playing in a midfield that had a better defensive tactical setup, he wouldn't look as isolated as he has done in the first two games. He's a wonderful player.
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"You don't win the Champions Leagues he's won and play in Madrid for years if you're a 'Steady Eddie', you don't stay in that team. He's better than a 'Steady Eddie'. He's very good on the ball, he sees a pass and he can score a goal.
"The reason Souness calls him a 'Steady Eddie' is because Souness was one of the greatest midfielders of his time, who had every attribute a midfielder could want."
Casemiro has been widely criticised after Manchester United's first two games of the season (REX/Shutterstock)And when asked if Casemiro has been one of the greatest midfielders of his time, Murphy replied: "He's been one of the best holding midfield players of the last decade.
"I think he'll get back to last season's form. I wouldn't worry about that, but I think he needs some legs around him to help him. Especially as there's been an injury now to [Mason] Mount for the next couple of games, I think you'll see [Scott] McTominay come in and play alongside him to give him some legs and give him some help.
"I think he's a notoriously slow starter anyway, he tended to start slow at Madrid. He looks leggy when he's not at it, but I don't worry about him for the next year or two. He's a super player."