Earlier this month, I wrote about Manchester United’s need for depth in midfield as Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro continue to be the preferred and most dependable duo in Ruben Amorim’s setup. The pair have
been crucial in United turning form around in October, and winning three games in a row in Premier League play since the start of the month.
I stand by that, especially considering the demands of the position in the current system, often outnumbered in a league full of three-man midfields, but I fear my position was a disservice to the play of United’s Brazilian No. 6, who has rediscovered his tremendous ceiling as a defensive screen and operator at the base of possession. His level is beyond what Project Restart Nemanja Matic provided, and it has the Reds looking strong in the middle of the pitch once again.
Yes, Casemiro got on the scoresheet as well as set up the opening goal, but he also proved a menace defensively. He blocked a shot, had a headed clearance, picked off passing lanes and recovered the ball to restart attacks.
In his 70 minutes on the pitch, United were the better team and on course for a comfortable win.
After Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte’s introduction to cover for the space vacated by Casemiro’s substitution, there was less control in the middle of the park. They were not at fault for the near comeback as United conceded twice on set pieces, but the flow of play was interrupted without Casemiro on the field.
Some of that may come down to the lack of change in shape to suit the change in personnel late in games, but it’s clear that Casemiro is still what he has been for nearly the entirety of his career: a cut above the rest.
There isn’t another No. 6 like Casemiro in the squad, and it would be hard to find another like him who is available anywhere. He is still a special player and is crucial to United’s success at the moment.
