Casemiro was a welcome sight in Manchester United training sessions this week after ESPN reported he picked up a minor injury against Liverpool.
The Brazilian was back in United’s starting line-up against Real Betis and played all 90 minutes in the 4-1 win.
He helped United really take control in the second half, with a masterclass in breaking up possession and winning the ball back for the team.
Importantly, Casemiro managed to avoid a yellow card so will be available for the second leg. Of course with a 4-1 lead, it might have been a game he could afford to miss. Bookings are only wiped out after the quarter-finals.
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Casemiro stars
Casemiro played an important role for United defensively and also was a threat going forward, taking three shots at goal and creating one chance.
He made 16 ball recoveries and four interceptions, helping United to break up Betis’ attacks. He was perhaps a little too wary of getting booked, not putting in for a single tackle.
Real Betis full-back Youssouf Sabaly told AS before the game that he was impressed by how Casemiro has fitted in at Old Trafford.
He said: “Casemiro has balanced United’s game, he contributes defensively and offensively. He balances everything.”
This was the case last night. Casemiro had 82 touches, in comparison to Betis midfielder William Carvalho’s 58.
Sabaly had also said: “I saw clips of United matches, but we all know their big names. At the offensive level they are very dangerous, it is a very complete team.”
Last night he saw how ‘dangerous’ the Red Devils were for real. While Betis went in 1-1 at half-time, United were very wasteful in the first half, and in the second, they developed a more ruthless edge.
This was just the second time this season United have scored four goals in a match, the other being the 4-2 cup win over Aston Villa in November.
We said earlier this week that the Liverpool defeat could create a monster, with United taking a more ruthless approach in front of goal.
Last night wasn’t ruthless enough, with several chances wasted, and the team still scored four. There is a lot more to come from this side.