'It's awful to watch' - Obi Mikel urges Man Utd coach to stop pairing Casemiro, Eriksen in midfield

Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has called on Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim to reconsider pairing Casemiro and Christian Eriksen in the midfield.

Mikel made the comments following Manchester United's disappointing 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Monday night.

The loss, which marked United's fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions, was sealed early as Newcastle took control with Alexander Isak scoring in the 4th minute and Joelinton adding another in the 19th.

Speaking on his Obi One Podcast, the former Chelsea star expressed his frustration with the midfield pairing.

"There's no way and I hope this never happens again. That you see Casemiro and Eriksen play in the midfield for Manchester United," Mikel remarked. 

"Who is going to run for who? If you're a 30 something year old player, you need a young player beside you who can compensate because you don't have the legs to run anymore."

Mikel highlighted the physical demands of the Premier League, emphasizing that both players lack the energy required to dominate the midfield.

"You need that young player, fresh legs, energic, who can be able to cover those grounds for you. You have those two, who is going to run for who?" he added. "So for me it is a massive mistake, it's awful to watch."

While acknowledging their impressive careers, particularly Casemiro's success at Real Madrid, Mikel stressed that age and fitness are critical factors in the Premier League.

"Listen, brilliant players, I have talked about it, we have said it, Casemiro fantastic player, he's played for Real Madrid, he's won so much, he's been an absolutely fantastic servant of football. He's done everything.

"When your legs are gone, your legs are gone, there's nothing else you can do. If your legs are gone, especially in the Premier League, you will get found out."

The criticism comes as Manchester United struggles to find consistency this season, while Mikel's remarks will likely add to the growing debate over how Amorim can turn United's season around.

Adeyemi Adewale

Photo Credit: manutd.com

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