Casemiro's wife hits back at critics of the Man United star with defiant Instagram post after her husband was hauled off at half-time following nightmare display in 3-0 defeat by Liverpool

Casemiro's wife has leapt to her husband's defence after the Manchester United midfielder was widely criticised for his performance in his side's 3-0 defeat by Liverpool on Sunday.

The Brazilian star was at fault for Liverpool's first two goals as he gave the ball away twice before Luis Diaz punished him on both occasions.

Sky Sports co-commentator Jamie Carragher admitted it was a 'sad sight' to see Casemiro struggling so badly, and he was hauled off at half-time by Erik ten Hag, with youngster Toby Collyer replacing him.

It is not the first time that Carragher has hit out at Casemiro's performance level as he also called for United to move on from the midfielder towards the back end of last season after their humiliating 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace. Casemiro was also ridiculed on social media after his hapless display, but his wife has hit back at his critics.

Taking to Instagram in the early hours of Monday morning, Anna Mariana Casemiro posted a photo of her husband's incredible trophy cabinet at the home that they share together, reminding fans of everything he has won in the game.

The 32-year-old won the Champions League five times with Real Madrid, as well as three LaLiga titles and the Copa del Rey before joining United in 2022, and they were all on display in the picture.

He has also won the Copa America with Brazil, and two trophies in his first two seasons at United.

But despite having the support of his wife of 10 years, Casemiro now looks to be in significant danger of losing his spot in United's starting XI moving forward.

Ten Hag was forced to deny claims that Casemiro left Old Trafford at half-time after being taken off. 'That is not true. He was in the dressing room.

'I just met him.'

Ten Hag also explained his decision to bring off the midfielder at the interval.

'It was tactical because we were 2-0 down,' Ten Hag told beIN Sports.

'You know against Liverpool the midfield will be open, and you need legs. Therefore we brought a guy in, a young player, but he has legs, to keep the midfield closed.'

Collyer had some bright moments during his 45-minute cameo appearance on Sunday and could now be pushing for more minutes, while the Red Devils also completed the £51million signing of Manuel Ugarte from PSG on deadline day.

The Uruguayan, who was unveiled at Old Trafford before kick-off against Liverpool, looks to be in pole position to partner Kobbie Mainoo after the international break, although it is understood he is a little short of full fitness having not played yet this season.

This could mean Casemiro is given one more chance to prove he is the solution to United's midfield problems when they return to action against Southampton on September 14, but he cannot afford any more performances like the one he produced on Sunday.

He is not the only one under pressure at Old Trafford either, with Ten Hag also feeling the heat after losing for the second week in a row.

United have taken just three points from their opening three matches and find themselves down in 14th place in the table, already six points adrift of Manchester City and Liverpool. 

Roy Keane and Gary Neville slammed United's performance after the game.

'You can try and dress it up a little bit but United were shocking, really shocking,' United legend Keane told Sky Sports. 

'Every time Liverpool went forward, they looked like they were going to score. You'd be worried for the manager. I would never stand here and say I expect a manager to lose his job, but the pressure must be building.'

Keane's former Old Trafford team-mate Neville believes Ten Hag is safe for now, but warned he does not have long to show United are top-four contenders.

'Erik ten Hag is going to have to get the club into a position challenging for the Champions League towards Christmas or he is going to be in trouble. He knows that. He can't be in eighth at the end of November and going into December,' said Neville, who blasted United for their mistakes in possession.