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“Cannot handle the pace”- Dutch coach says Manchester United’s Raphael Varane and Casemiro ‘have no energy’

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Could Manchester United have another Rolls Royce defender after Raphael Varane? (Image Credit: Getty Images)

Rene Meulensteen says Manchester United duo Casemiro and Raphael Varane are lacking energy

According to the Mirror, Rene Meulensteen who served under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United says that former Real Madrid players Casemiro and Raphael Varane are showing a lack of energy.

United are in desperate need of points following a challenging start to the season. Currently sitting 10th in the league, they won against Brentford last week but find themselves at the bottom of the Champions League group table.

Meulensteen, a veteran of Sir Alex Ferguson‘s coaching staff for six years, places the blame on Ten Hag for how his players are playing.

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 12:  Manager Rene Meulensteen believes Varane and Casemiro are not showing the energy.  (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 12: Manager Rene Meulensteen believes Varane and Casemiro are not showing the energy. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

High-profile additions like Andre Onana, Lisandro Martinez, and Antony, who previously collaborated with Ten Hag at Ajax, have joined the team. During this period, the Red Devils have spent a lot of money

Meulensteen said:

“United have certain shortcomings. [Varane] cannot handle the pace. The Premier League is dynamic. Everything goes at 100 kilometres per hour. That is the big problem in midfield. They have no energy and that is how the defence gets into trouble. He [Ten Hag] wants to put a lot of pressure on, with a lot of intensity”

Maulensteen raises a valid point. Both players excel in their own right, but they need to step up their game to keep pace with the league’s fast nature.

Several top performers from last season have seen a sharp decline in their performance in the first few weeks. Meulensteen believes that Varane and Casemiro’s presence in the lineup restricts Ten Hag’s preferred style of play.

With the summer arrivals of Rasmus Hojlund, Sofyan Amrabat, Mason Mount, and Andre Onana, Ten Hag invested a lot into his team. Meulensteen considers the manager responsible for the current situation.

Casemiro is losing his form as compared to his last season's brilliance. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Casemiro is losing his form as compared to his last season’s brilliance. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

The Brazilian’s pace and energy have significantly declined, making it easy for attackers from the opposition to bypass him. Although he had a strong start at United, Casemiro must improve to retain his starting spot in midfield.

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Varane’s contribution to the club alongside Martinez has been substantial, but his injury hampers consistency. We believe that both players can regain their form and help during this challenging period.