Manchester United’s players are “upset” by their form and have “no point” in aiming for the Premier League title or Uefa Champions League qualification, midfielder Casemiro has said.
The 20-time top-flight champions followed up a point at lowly Brentford and last-gasp defeat at Chelsea by drawing 2-2 with contenders Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.
“The point that bothers me most about not fighting for titles is being 20 points behind first place,” said Casemiro, telling ESPN Brazil that the situation for United, who are 22 points off the pace, is “difficult”.
“I can’t even sleep for trying to think about doing something different. It’s reality. There’s no point in thinking about the title or Champions League places – we need to think about today’s games.
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“We need to think about the day to day. We had the opportunity to score nine points in the last few games and we scored two.
“We were upset. We have to think game by game and focus on the next match, against Bournemouth [away on Saturday].”
Man United results: Casemiro concern
While Liverpool are locked in a tight title race with Arsenal and Manchester City, United’s chances of finishing in the fifth place which is likely to ensure Champions League qualification have faded.
With seven league games remaining, United are 11 points behind Aston Villa, who occupy that position, with a significant goal inferiority.
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One of their 12 league defeats came when they lost 3-0 at home to Bournemouth in December despite having 69% of possession.
“I had a good start to the season – I was the team’s player of the month,” said Casemiro. “Here, when you win, everyone wins; when you lose, everyone loses.
“It’s not Casemiro who is in sixth. All of the players are in sixth. We have to evaluate collectively.
“My thought is to play good games and win titles, which is my main objective.”