United Discussion | Why Casemiro might be key against Sunderland

With United not in Europe to distract us from domestic troubles...

We may aswell start the previews for Sunderland now

Casemiro goals for Manchester United youtu.be/zItpoCcz0-g?...

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— Super News Affiliate (@eurosuperfootball.bsky.social) 29 September 2025 at 18:09

K Stand season ticket holder Pete Shaw believes Casemiro could be key on Saturday and for many games between now and the end of the season. 

I have no concerns ahead of the next game against Sunderland. The result of the Brentford match did not come as a shock. In fact, it followed a very familiar pattern.

With Casemiro in the side, United play with energy and intensity, as seen in games against Arsenal, Burnley and Chelsea. The moment he is rested, substituted or suspended, the team falters, as shown against Man City, Brentford and Fulham.

So there is no need for panic. Casemiro will feature against Sunderland, and claims that his legs are gone are as credible as a street-side three-card Monte outside Selfridges. This is the familiar refrain of former players and pundits keen to criticise United.

Throwback to when United lost on penalties against Grimsby Town. viewfromkstand.blogspot.com/2025/08/unit...

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— Super News Affiliate (@eurosuperfootball.bsky.social) 29 September 2025 at 18:15

The evidence suggests otherwise. Carlo Ancelotti dismissed the narrative, playing Casemiro for the full 90 minutes for Brazil in their victorious World Cup games against Paraguay in June and again against Chile this month.

Some players may fade by 30, yet others, like Luka Modric, continue to perform at the highest level in midfield well into their late 30s. Modric is still playing for Milan, demonstrating that age need not be a barrier.

I have looked at Sunderland’s weaknesses in recent matches and devised a plan to exploit them at Old Trafford. Central to this will be Casemiro starting, operating alongside Bruno and Mount in more advanced midfield roles. Are you reading this Ruben?

Casemiro and Bruno played well against Chelsea before his red card

The attack must function as a cohesive unit rather than as individuals, executing fluid movements rather than isolated efforts, such as the one that led to Mbeumo winning a brilliant penalty against Brentford.

The landscape for this fixture has shifted significantly with a new manager in the Sunderland dugout, adding another layer of complexity to the challenge.