Casemiro should have done better for Aston Villa’s opening goal, says Ian Wright (Picture: Getty)
Ian Wight singled out Casemiro for criticism following Manchester United’s 3-1 defeat at Aston Villa.
United’s nine-game unbeaten run under Erik ten Hag came to an end on Sunday as new Villa boss Unai Emery got off to the perfect start on his return to England.
Villa went 2-0 up after just 11 minutes and despite United reducing their lead, Emery’s side restored their two-goal cushion to run out as 3-1 winners.
Casemiro played the full 90 minutes at Villa Park – and despite being lauded by pundits in recent weeks for his performances – Wright feels the Brazil international midfielder could have done better for Villa’s opening goal on seven minutes.
It was Leon Bailey who scored but the attack started down the flank as Ollie Watkins drew centre-back Victor Lindelof out of position, leaving a big space in the heart of United’s defence which Casemiro failed to occupy.
That saw Bailey easily burst through the middle and fire home after being played in by Jacob Ramsey.
‘Ollie Watkins played very well, he ran himself into the ground today,’ Wright told Premier League Productions.
‘Once it got to Leon Bailey on his left foot, it was going to be a problem.
[Watkins] dragged Lindelof out of his position, I was thinking Casemiro has got to drop in there. It just looks too big, there was a massive space.
‘You can see once the ball went in to Leon Bailey on his strong foot [he was going to score], it could have been avoided.
‘They needed to have their wits about them there. I’m very surprised Casemiro didn’t see that.’
United return to action on Thursday when they face Villa once again, this time in the Carabao Cup third round at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils return to top-flight action on Sunday with a trip to face Fulham.
MORE : ‘Not acceptable’ – Erik ten Hag slams Manchester United performance in Aston Villa loss
MORE : Luke Shaw admits he knew ‘sloppy’ Man Utd would lose after just 20 minutes vs Aston Villa
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