Casemiro has regressed significantly since joining the Red Devils from Real Madrid, prompting speculation that he will leave the club at the end of the season, amid interest from Saudi Pro League outfits.

The 32-year-old has lost his pace and in turn, has been chasing shadows in the heart of United’s system, and his recent stint at centre-back has not helped him bounce back to his best despite signs of promise.

Casemiro played a significant role in Burnley’s equaliser at the Theatre of Dreams, attempting to play a bizarre, looping header back to his goalkeeper despite being under no pressure. The pass allowed Zeki Amdouni to challenge for the ball from close range, and he was ultimately brought down by Onana before scoring the resulting spot-kick.

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Analysing the performance on Match of the Day, Wright and Lineker could not help but laugh at the midfielder’s performance, with the latter explaining: “This is Sander Berge with Casemiro. He just has to stop and not let him come through and he just walked past him,” prompting a chuckle from Lineker.

Ex-United star Owen Hargreaves was equally critical of Casemiro, saying: “That header from Casemiro is unbelievable, I don’t know what he is thinking. Onana comes out and yes, he clatters into Amdouni but the header from Casemiro, it is just not on.”

Erik ten Hag has jumped to the defence of his No. 18 in recent weeks, though it is hard to see how the Dutchman will justify such a disastrous decision from his makeshift defender and one of the most experienced players in his dressing room.

Casemiro’s reputation among pundits has been significantly dented in recent weeks, with Tim Sherwood even saying that his teammates have caught a ‘bug’ from him. Speaking after the Burnley draw, the former Tottenham boss said: “The worrying thing is that the midfield does not run, when the ball gets played behind them their heads start wobbling.

“That’s down to the manager telling them and identifying it. Kobbie Mainoo, I like him, I really like him, but he has caught the Casemiro bug where he is jogging around the pitch. Christian Eriksen is the same – he is one of the most honest players you’re ever going to find.”