While Marcus Rashford has been the star boy of Erik Ten Haag’s new-look Manchester United side, Casemiro has been the heartbeat.
It was no surprise that both Rashford and the former Real Madrid midfielder were on the scoresheet as Manchester United beat Newcastle in the Carabao cup final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday night.
When Casemiro joined United from Real Madrid in the summer, I was one of those that felt that he was coming to England to receive his pension. Alas, he is proving me and other skeptics wrong!!
His performance on Sunday night at Wembley showed all you need to know about the Brazilian’s impact at Old Trafford. He showed that he still has the desire to succeed at all levels and his winning mentality is pervading throughout the team.
It explains the fact that Manchester United have won more games with him than without him. He makes the Red Devils better. Of all Manchester United players to have played more than 20 games, United averages more points per game (2.29) with Casemiro than any other player.
It will also interest you to know that Casemiro has scored 5 goals in all competitions for the Red Devils this season, just two-goal away from equalling his best-ever goal tally of 7 goals.
In addition, the 31-year-old impact in the attacking third has not prevented him from his primary role of shielding the backline. He has made more defensive actions(tackle plus interception) than any other Man United player.
Therefore, it is not shocking that the Carabao cup champions concede fewer goals with him in the squad than without him. He is such a colossal presence. Man United have conceded 10 goals with Casemiro in the team, which is the fewest of all players to have played 20 games.
The Red Devils’ fans must be wishing at this point that Casemiro was younger than he is. That is how huge of an impact he has had since his move to the Theatre of dreams.
While Rashford is getting the deserved accolades, Casemiro’s role in Manchester United’s resurgence is. Just like they will struggle to score goals without Rashford, they will also struggle to prevent goals without the Brazilian midfielder.
Therefore, Casemiro is as important to Erik Ten Haag as Marcus Rashford. What do you think?
Discussion about this post