One of the big issues Ruben Amorim has faced at Manchester United during a tough first season in charge at the club is the number of goals his side have conceded.
United have let in 100 goals in just 53 matches, only five more than they’ve scored.
This is certainly a huge concern for their boss, who, as a result, doesn’t have the strongest record despite going unbeaten in their last four games. Amorim has won 22 games and lost 21 during his year-long tenure so far, with a big reason for that such a shaky defensive record.
That is in spite of the strong performance of Matthijs de Ligt this season.
Why De Ligt has been so important for Man Utd
Despite their unbeaten run of four Premier League games, United’s defence have left a lot to be desired once again this term. The 16 top-flight goals they have conceded is better than just five teams.
However, De Ligt’s performances as the central centre-back in Amorim’s infamous back three have been excellent. The 26-year-old has been a key member of Amoirm’s backline with United’s number 4 having racked up 90 minutes in all ten of their Premier League games.
H, football analyst and host of The Overlap: The Breakdown, has been full of praise for the Dutchman. He described him as a “great box defender” and said he “steps up in the press so well.”
In some instances, he has put up better numbers than one of the best centre-backs in world football, Arsenal star Gabriel.
The Brazilian, described as the Premier League’s “number one” centre-back by pundit Paul Merson, averages 2.1 tackles and interceptions and wins 3.3 aerial duels per 90 minutes. In comparison, De Ligt has made 2.7 tackles and interceptions and won 3.7 aerial duels each game.
Both defensive warriors for their teams, the similarities between the two are clear to see, but there is a United player who has been even more similar to Gabriel this term.
Man United’s own Gabriel
One of the big upsides to Gabriel’s game is not just his defending, but his set-piece threat. The Brazilian has “been the main exponent” from set pieces for the Gunners, with his side bagging 12 this season already.
Whilst that is double the number United have managed, they do rank joint-fourth in the top flight for set-piece goals with six.
Casemiro has been one of the biggest threats from those situations, with football content creator Lyes describing him as “one of the best setpiece threats we’ve [United] had in years.”
Indeed, the Brazilian’s most recent strike came from a set-piece. He headed home a Bruno Fernandes corner against Nottingham Forest last Saturday, the third goal he has scored this season. His first strike of the campaign against Chelsea was not directly from a set piece, but was a header from the phase after.
Standing at 6 foot 1 and with a powerful leap on him, it is easy to see why Casemiro dominates from set pieces. His 2.31 aerial duels won per 90 minutes rank him in the top 5% of Premier League midfielders.
However, is not just from deadball scenarios that the vastly experienced 33-year-old has shone for United.
The former Real Madrid star has been excellent in the pivot alongside Fernandes, with his 5.03 tackles and interceptions each game placing him in the 98th percentile for English top-flight midfielders.
Casemiro key stats in PL 25/26
Stat (per 90)
Number
Percentile
Passes into penalty area
1.08
80th
Blocks
2.34
99th
Tackles and interceptions
5.03
98th
Clearances
2.46
89th
Aerial duels won
2.31
95th
Stats from FBref
As important as De Ligt has been for United this season, their number 18 has been equally as vital. With his set piece threat, you can easily draw comparisons to Brazil teammate Gabriel, and his work off the ball in the pivot has been second to none.
Football statistician Statman Dave described him as a “monster” for the Red Devils this season. It is fair to say Casemiro is living up to that praise, with some superb showings.
