Casemiro given Man United next steps amid transfer claims after Manuel Ugarte arrival

Nicky Butt has branded the criticism of Casemiro following last weekend’s defeat to Liverpool as “unfair” but has challenged the Brazilian to silence doubters himself.

The midfielder’s future at United has been the subject of transfer speculation since being hooked at half-time following mistakes that led to Liverpool’s opening two goals in the 3-0 humbling. Reports mooting interest from Turkey have emerged in recent days, with the Super Lig transfer window not closing until September 13.

Casemiro was included in United’s Europa League squad earlier this week, indicating that an exit was not imminent. New summer arrival Manuel Ugarte is being seen as his eventual successor, having arrived from Paris Saint-Germain for an initial £42.3million on deadline day.

READ MORE: I saw what Wayne Rooney did after embarrassing Celtic ace for Man United Legends - it said a lot

READ MORE: United legend player ratings

However, Butt believes critics are writing off Casemiro too soon. “He’s an unbelievable footballer,” he told the Manchester Evening News following Saturday’s United Legends match and Old Trafford.

“He’s won everything there is to win in the game. I think [the criticism] is a bit unfair. He’s had one horrendous half and everyone is turning against him.

“I think it’s a bit harsh, he knows what he is doing. He’s won more things than I ever did so I wouldn’t sit here and say he’s this, that and the other. But he did have a bad game, I’m sure he’s had a few before, we all have.”

Butt also believes concerns around the age of Casemiro - who turns 33 in February - have been overexaggerated, and that the pivot has ample opportunity to turn his form around.

“He’s not as old as people talk about, he’s 32,” Butt underscored. "He’s going to have to come back and prove people wrong.

"And that’s the good thing about football, people will doubt you and have a go at you - I had it in my career - and you can come back and keep them quiet.”