Casemiro proved he can still contribute positively as Manchester United’s most consistent performer in both legs against Real Sociedad.
The second leg took place on Thursday night as Manchester United beat Real Sociedad 4-1 to secure a place in the Europa League quarter-final.
Old Trafford resembled a fortress once again with United fans heard loud and clear throughout the night. The atmosphere was boosted by a surfer flag ahead of kick-off along with some pyrotechnics in front of the Stretford End.
A special night followed after an early setback when the visitors took a 1-0 lead from the penalty spot after just 10 minutes.
Ruben Amorim’s side responded immediately as Bruno Fernandes levelled the scoring, which stayed at 1-1 until half-time. The Portuguese Magnifico inspired United to victory by completing a hat-trick to seal the tie.
United increased their lead before the end when Diogo Dalot finished off Rasmus Hojlund’s assist to make it 4-1.
Photo by Richard Callis/Sports Press Photo/Getty Images
Photo by Richard Callis/Sports Press Photo/Getty Images
Ruben Amorim learning how to use Casemiro
Casemiro received a standing ovation when being substituted against Real Sociedad on Thursday night.
The Brazilian, who won everything during his time at Real Madrid, lost his place in the team recently, but a brief run in the team following Manuel Ugarte’s minor injury proves that Ruben Amorim has not given up on Casemiro.
More United News
Casemiro has started in four of United’s past six games after going a full month without playing after the Reds suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle in January.
The 32-year-old has shown a degree of professionalism to regain his place in the team by becoming an important cog in the system over both legs against Real Sociedad, with the first leg in San Sebastian ending 1-1.
Speaking to TNT Sports during a live broadcast after the match, Amorim admitted he is learning how to play Casemiro, to ensure he gets the best out of a veteran midfield who has lost a few yards of pace.
“I think I’m also learning how to use players like Casemiro and, like you said, without a lot of options, we are trying to put our players in the best positions and that helps us a lot,” Amorim said.
“I think you can feel that they have more freedom and then because of one game in Spain that we try to use the pace of [Alejandro] Garnacho, on the right, and he showed me so many things on the right, maybe better than the left.
“So I’m trying to find the best solution for the team, and that helps us to play all the time with the same team. It was hard, sometimes we lost some pace in the end of the games, but we are learning.
“I think Casemiro gave us a little bit of calm. Sometimes, he takes a little bit long when he was not playing too much, you feel it in the game against Newcastle. The pace was not there but he is giving that first moment of build-up, and then you can push Bruno [Fernandes] near the goal, so he’s dangerous there.”
It proves that with some readjusting, Casemiro can continue to build on his recent revival.
Amorim fixing an issue Erik ten Hag
It’s encouraging that Amorim is starting to find solutions to problems of old at United.
Casemiro enjoyed a strong first season at United under Erik ten Hag, with the Reds ending a 6-year trophy drought.
However, a poor second season for Ten Hag, especially in the Premier League, led to numerous players being blamed for poor displays.
Casemiro’s form dipped significantly and he’d look isolated in midfield, overrun every week, and not receiving the support a defensive midfielder with his mileage requires.
It has taken a few months but Amorim has discovered a way to fit Casemiro into his system which could prove to be a boost for the rest of our Europa League campaign.
On Thursday night, Casemiro was among United’s standout performers, in what could be described as the team’s best performance under Amorim.
Minutes played 79
Total shots 1
Accurate passes 50/61 (82%)
Touches 71
Passes into the final third 9
Dispossessed 0
Defensive actions 6
Recoveries 4
Duels won and lost 7/5
Manchester United 4-1 Real Sociedad: Casemiro stats
The biggest difference with Casemiro was Ten Hag persisted with the midfielder and changed little, despite regular results. He eventually switched things towards the end of the 2023/24 season for United’s FA Cup win over Man City when Sofyan Amrabat started in midfield.