# On 2nd-Balls & United's Case for Casemiro > For the full version with images, embedded tweets, and visual breakdowns, [visit BallerzBantz](https://www.ballerzbantz.com/p/2nd-balls-and-casemiro). In their first two games of the Premier League season, Manchester United faced sides who deliberately went long. After United lost both matches, conversations sparked about Lisandro Martinez's aerial ability. However, as Ralph Hassenhutle alluded: "It's not that easy to say 'he's small so bring the ball there'... We will not be so stupid to think that is going our way." Brentford and Brighton directed balls towards the left but there is a strong argument it was also to target structural deficiencies in how United deal with second balls. ### The Art of a Long Ball Following Evert van Zoelen's framework: 1. **From dead balls** — goal-kicks and free-kicks where both teams set up in their shapes. 2. **From chosen balls** — deliberate long balls while in play despite having time and space. 3. **From forced balls** — pressed into playing a long ball or clearance. Long balls allow a team to quickly progress, challenge for second balls, sustain pressure on the backline, and threaten behind it. ### United's Structural Problem Against Brentford, Erik Ten Hag deployed Eriksen as one of the deeper midfielders out of possession. The Dane is not the most accomplished in the air and largely did not contest aerial situations, creating a chain reaction of problematic rotations when United defended long balls. The signing of Casemiro — a player with elite aerial and second-ball capabilities — was the direct answer to this structural deficiency. *(Visit the full article for the complete tactical analysis with diagrams.)* --- ## Related - [[McTominay]] - [[United Resurgence]] - [[BB-wiki-1/Sports/Mechanics/Aerials]] - [[BB-wiki-1/Sports/Mechanics/Running Capacity]]