'Hurts more' - Casemiro makes honest Liverpool claim and sends blunt message to critics

Casemiro has insisted he is having a good season for Manchester United, hitting back at the savage criticism he faced after the Red Devils’ 3-0 loss to Liverpool. The Brazil international was replaced at half-time after coughing up possession for both of Luis Diaz’s first half goals.

The 32-year-old’s Old Trafford future became the subject of speculation in the aftermath of the clash as his performance was widely criticised, with a number of pundits weighing in on the midfielder’s fall from grace.

His wife, Anna Mariana, took to Instagram to defend the Brazilian, posting pictures of him celebrating at United plus his haul of silverware, which include five Champions Leagues and two La Ligas.

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But while he was initially dropped by former manager Erik ten Hag, an injury to Kobbie Mainoo has opened the door for Casemiro to regain his place in United’s starting XI.

Starting the Red Devils’ last five domestic matches, he scored the final goal of Ten Hag’s reign in a 2-1 defeat at West Ham before netting a brace in caretaker manager Ruud van Nistelrooy’s first game as United won 5-2 at home to Leicester City in the League Cup.

Now determined to push on under incoming head coach Ruben Amorim, Casemiro has defended his own individual campaign so far. And insisting he is having a good season despite United’s struggles and his own horror-show against Liverpool, he emphatically hit back at his critics following the Red Devils’ 3-0 win over Leicester on Sunday.

“Well, everyone can see can’t they?” he said. “I only had the Liverpool game, right? The whole team was not good in that game, or this season.

“This match, when the goals are missed, of course it ends up hurting the team more, but I think it’s been a good season for me.

“I want to continue growing. I want to continue helping my team-mates and the coach, helping Manchester United grow and do well. Everyone knows what my job is.”