Casemiro proving INEOS wrong with masterclass vs Fulham | OneFootball

Manchester United came up with the goods late on as they clinched a dramatic 3-2 win over Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday.

When the visitors equalised in added time, the fans must have been dreading the worst. However, things have changed under Michael Carrick.

For the second game in a row, a substitute has popped up to score a late winner, with Benjamin Sesko providing the late fireworks on Sunday.

However, if there is one player who deserves plaudits, it is Casemiro. The Brazilian looks transformed under the caretaker head coach.

Casemiro rolled back the years on Sunday

United’s direct style suits his strengths, as does the familiarity of playing in a known system alongside the ever-improving Kobbie Mainoo.

Against the Cottagers, the former Real Madrid superstar scored the opening goal, while assisting Matheus Cunha’s strike in the second half.

The Brazil international is known for his prowess from set-pieces, and he did not disappoint, as he met Bruno Fernandes’ inch-perfect free-kick with a bullet header.

His assist for United’s second was a thing of beauty: a no-look pass straight into Cunha’s path, who did not have to break stride as he crashed the ball past Bernd Leno.

Quality both on and off the ball

The 33-year-old rolled the clock back, completing 100 percent of his dribbles, while providing three accurate long balls to his teammates.

stats via sofascore

Off the ball, Casemiro was as relentless as ever, winning one tackle, completing three clearances, and making one key interception.

He also recovered the ball three times, while winning seven duels, including all his aerial duels. Carrick could not have asked for more (stats via sofascore).

It was not a surprise to see the Red Devils falter once he went off, with Manuel Ugarte struggling to fill the void.

Casemiro will be hard to replace

Sunday’s performance was once again a reminder that the home side could do with Casemiro moving forward, might not be in every game, but his big-game nous, and leadership are qualities worth investing in.

Maybe INEOS should have tried harder to keep him for at least a season more. They will need to find someone with quality both on and off the ball to replace the five-time Champions League winner.

Hopefully, Casemiro can keep his form up and end his time in Manchester on a high, guiding the club back into the Champions League.

Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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