Casemiro was far from his best as Manchester United were beaten 4-3 by Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
However, the midfielder scored a scrappy brace which reduced the goal deficit for the Red Devils.
Casemiro was a shadow of his former self in the 3-1 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion as well. And Erik ten Hag has shielded the Brazilian from recent criticism, backing him to come good after a rough patch.
Speaking after the Bayern game, Ten Hag explained: "He’s the one. I’ve just mentioned, you have to stay in the game.
"You have to show the leadership in those moments when the team have difficult moments, difficult occasions, and we have to survive.
"All the players can be with him. He shows the example that all the players follow.
"That’s Casemiro. In the end, he scored two goals."
Goals or not, Casemiro was loved by fans for anchoring the midfield like no other last season. Against Bayern though, he was easily bossed in his own area by Jamal Musiala, who is just 20.
That said, the blame can't be placed solely on Casemiro, given how the entire team is struggling right now.
