Troy Deeney has been disappointed by the Manchester United player (Picture: Sky Sports)
Troy Deeney has named a Manchester United player as the biggest flop of the season and made a surprising claim over resurgent Chelsea.
United have endured a dismal campaign under Erik ten Hag and could record their lowest-ever Premier League finish ahead of the final day of the season.
The Red Devils run the risk of missing out on European football altogether as they prepare to face Brighton on Sunday, with rumours continuing to swirl over the future of Ten Hag.
Few United players have covered themselves in glory this season but Deeney has been particularly disappointed by Casemiro, describing the Brazilian as the ‘biggest disappointment’ of the campaign.
Casemiro largely impressed in his first season in the Premier League but has struggled this term, with his performance in United’s recent 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace leading ex-England defender Jamie Carragher to declare the 32-year-old’s career at the top level all but over.
The 32-year-old has 12 months remaining on his contract at Old Trafford but fellow Brazil hero Rivaldo has also urged him to leave Manchester United after a poor season.
Asked to name the player who has disappointed him most this year, ex-Premier League striker Deeney told The Sun: ‘Casemiro. I never expected him to have the legs or to run around everywhere, or to be the best defensive midfielder in the world.
Casemiro has endured a difficult season at Old Trafford (Picture: Getty)
‘What I did expect was for him to use his vast experience and know-how at Manchester United to get them through tough times and to be a consistent presence.
‘He has been anything but – and United have suffered massively as a result.’
While Deeney has been left underwhelmed by Casemiro, he insists he has enjoyed watching Chelsea more than any other team in the Premier League this season.
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The Blues were languishing in mid-table for most of the campaign but have enjoyed an impressive run of form under Mauricio Pochettino to climb to sixth ahead of the final day.
‘Weirdly, it’s Chelsea, purely because of their inconsistencies – never knowing which Chelsea is going to turn up when,’ Deeney added when asked who have been his favourite team to watch.
‘They’re a great watch for the neutral, even when they’re awful. That’s what this league needs at times.
Chelsea have entertained ex-striker Troy Deeney (Picture: Getty)
‘Not everyone can be as dull and efficient as Manchester City. We need that variety and madness – and that’s what Chelsea bring.
‘One week they’re s**t, the next they’re good. They’ve got exceptionally good players and a great manager in Mauricio Pochettino.
‘I’m really interested to see how it plays out and develops next season – can they be as exciting while also winning more games?’
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