Staunch Man United Fan Goes Viral for Claiming Refs Have Ruined Casemiro's Game

• A Manchester United fan has gone viral for his theory on why Casemiro has been struggling in recent weeks
• The Brazilian midfielder was not at his best as Manchester United drew 2-2 against Tottenham on Thursday, April 27
• Casemiro has played 43 times across all competitions since signing for the Red Devils

A section of Manchester United fans have developed an interesting “confidence” theory on why Casemiro has been struggling recently.

For large parts of the season, the 30-year-old has been the standout performer for United, living up to his hefty £70m price tag.

He has been a master in midfield, with stats suggesting the Brazilian has made a tackle every 23.8 minutes, according to Premier League.com

However, hawk-eyed fans will have noted a slow drop in form from the midfielder, especially after returning from his latest three-match suspension.

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In his debut season in the Premier League, Casemiro has already received two red cards against Southampton and Crystal Palace.

And, according to famous Manchester United fan Mark Goldbridge, this could all be down to the referees.

In a tweet to his 636,000 followers, Goldbridge alluded to the fact that Casemiro appeared to be playing without much confidence and conviction in recent games. This could be because he fears getting into trouble with match officials again.

"Casemiro hasn't been the same since he came back. Top sport is about fine margins. He's had two red cards no other player would get in the league. It's clearly impacting his confidence. Well done Refs. Another stain on your poor season." He tweeted, and a large Manchester United fan base agreed with him.

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In January, Casemiro also missed a crucial match against Arsenal, as he had picked up 5 yellow cards in the build up to that game, automatically earning himself a one-match suspension.

United’s next fixture is a tricky home game against a resurgent Aston Villa, who comprehensively beat them in November in what proved to be Cristiano Ronaldo’s final match as a Red Devil.

Ten Hag explains substitutions

Sports Brief reported on Erik Ten Hag’s substitutions during the draw against Tottenham.

Many fans did not appreciate the substitutions, with some claiming they enabled Spurs to come back from two goals down.

But the Dutchman defended his decision, saying:

"If you have seen the game, you have seen also in the period after half-time we lose control in the game and I prepared the subs already before the 2-1 and you could see that goal coming."