Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has suggested that Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is in danger of causing a Cristiano Ronaldo-style "problem" with Casemiro.
The Brazilian star, who arrived at Old Trafford from Real Madrid in the summer transfer window, has made seven appearances for the Reds since joining but has only started on two occasions. Ten Hag has opted to stick with Scott McTominay at the base of his midfield in the league, with Casemiro having to settle for a spot among the substitutes.
United lined up without Casemiro or Ronaldo in the starting XI for the 6-3 derby defeat to Manchester City last weekend, with the former still yet to start for the Reds in the Premier League. Unlike Ronaldo, the 30-year-old did make an appearance at the Etihad but was unable to influence the result.
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The former Real Madrid duo were seen in conversation as they sat next to each other on the bench at the Etihad, and several former players and pundits have insisted that Casemiro should have started in place of McTominay.
Ex-Liverpool man and pundit Murphy suggested that a 'Ronaldo-style' situation could be brewing with the five-time Champions League winner.
"Those pictures of him [Ronaldo] and Casemiro sitting together against Manchester City, shaking their heads in disbelief, gives off the worst impression for the club," Murphy wrote in his Daily Mail column.
"A similar situation may also be brewing with Casemiro if he’s not picked against Everton. United paid £70million for him and to have a five-time Champions League winner as understudy to Scott McTominay doesn’t make sense.
"The only explanation is that Ten Hag didn’t want to change a winning team. Conceding six at City removes that reasoning and I’d be gobsmacked if Casemiro is not in the starting XI at Goodison.
"If he’s not, he should be knocking on the manager’s door. Someone of his quality didn’t move to United to sit on the bench."
Casemiro could feature for the Reds when they face Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday evening, with Ten Hag's men looking to bounce back from the Premier League defeat to City last weekend.
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