Casemiro loses sleep over Man Utd's form

Midfielder Casemiro admitted he had trouble sleeping many nights as Man Utd's performance was inconsistent and they could not compete for the title.

"It's difficult. The thing that bothers me the most is not competing for the title," Casemiro told ESPN Brazil after the 2-2 draw with Liverpool in the Premier League round of 32. "Being 20 points behind the leader. Sometimes I can't even sleep to try to think about doing something different."

Casemiro (center) in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool in round 32 of the Premier League at Old Trafford. Photo: AFP — Casemiro (center) in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool in round 32 of the Premier League at Old Trafford. Photo: *AFP*

At Old Trafford last weekend, Man Utd started slowly, allowing Liverpool to completely control the game, taking 15 shots and taking the lead through Luis Diaz's close-range volley. During that time, Man Utd did not even have a shot - something that had happened at home for the first time since October 2015.

In the second half, the home team played better and took a 2-1 lead thanks to individual moments of brilliance. After a Liverpool player's passing mistake, Bruno Fernandes fired a shot from midfield to equalize 1-1. Not long after, young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo turned and curled the ball into the far corner for Man Utd's second goal of the match. But in the 84th minute, Aaron Wan-Bissaka fouled Harvey Elliott in the penalty area, leading to a penalty for Mohamed Salah to seal the score at 2-2 for Liverpool.

Man Utd are currently sixth with 49 points, 11 points behind Aston Villa and Tottenham. From next season, the Champions League will change its format, increasing the number of teams from 32 to 36. Two of the four extra places will be awarded to the highest-ranked nations in last season's coefficient table, based on their performance in the three European competitions - the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League. If England are in this group, the fifth Premier League club will also be in next season's Champions League.

According to Casemiro, Man Utd must focus on each match instead of thinking about the Champions League spot. The 32-year-old midfielder also regretted that Man Utd lacked concentration in the final stages of the match and lost three consecutive victories due to late equalizers, when they drew with Brentford, Liverpool and lost to Chelsea. He added: "The Liverpool match was very fast-paced. We played against a leading team, in good form and the whole team responded well. Both teams had chances. The match was very good. Now we have to think about the next match."

Before Liverpool, in addition to Mainoo, another young Man Utd player who made a strong impression was Willy Kambwala. In his first start at Old Trafford, the 19-year-old midfielder partnered former captain Harry Maguire, touching the ball 46 times, clearing the ball twice, intercepting twice, tackling once and winning two duels.

"We didn't get the three points so I'm a little bit frustrated and disappointed," Kambwala said. "We fought, defended very well together and should have won. But I'm still proud of my performance."

On April 13, Man Utd traveled to Bournemouth to play round 33 of the Premier League and then played Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley Stadium on April 21.

Hong Duy

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