Casemiro’s outstanding performances for Manchester United show no sign of slowing down.
Nobody expected Casemiro’s final season for Manchester United to be anywhere near this good.
The Brazil international scored United’s opening goal in the 3-1 victory over Aston Villa, netting his seventh strike of the season.
Casemiro was serenaded by the Old Trafford crowd in the 90th minute when he was substituted, after helping United secure a vital three points.
There were chants from fans for Casemiro to stay another year, and these calls fed into the post-game discussion on MUTV. Former star Quinton Fortune believes there is no point trying to change the midfielder’s mind.
Who was YOUR Man of the Match against Villa?
A huge win for United, but who was the best player on the pitch?
Manchester United v Aston Villa - Premier League
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Casemiro key to United’s victory
Manchester United have missed Casemiro during every minute he has not been on the pitch this season, and that has intensified the club’s search for a successor.
Speaking to MUTV’s post-game coverage, Quinton Fortune was asked about a viewer’s message on Casemiro getting ‘one more year’.
More United News
Fortune does not expect Casemiro to change his plans. He said: “I understand where the comment is coming from, but when a player has made up his mind…”
The former South Africa international did have a lot of positivity to express about United’s veteran star.
He said: “He’s experienced. He knows where to position himself. Fantastic physical condition, and you need someone like that in the changing room for young players coming through.
“Kobbie [Mainoo] will learn a lot from him. How he carries himself, how he trains, his behaviour, and you need these kinds of leaders and examples around the club. We’ve been missing some players like this over the years.”
Former star Wes Brown expressed similar sentiments about the way Casemiro is still shining as one of United’s best players this season, even after announcing his exit plans.
He said: “You can see where his heart is, he’s a true professional. You could actually say to him, ‘you can chill a little bit, you’ve done everything in the game’, but no, he wants to do the best he can. He wants to help the lads.
“Even if he’s had a bad game Casemiro, he won’t let that bother him, he can sort that out the next game.
“He’s been driving us on this year and Kobbie coming back the past few months, they’ve made a great little partnership, and understanding. When you are playing with someone like that, of that stature, with that confidence, it oozes through you.”
What GRADE would you give Casemiro for his performances this season?
Do you agree with our grades for his first three? Let's hear yours…
Casemiro seasons
Getty Images
United have difficult task to replace Casemiro
Casemiro’s all-action goalscoring performances will be creating a major headache for Manchester United’s recruitment team. The Red Devils will likely need to sign two players to replace Casemiro.
Former star Ben Thornley told MUTV that he feels this has been Casemiro’s best season in a Manchester United shirt.
He explained: “Casemiro for me, and for many other people, will think this has been his best season in a Man Utd shirt. He’s so important.
“You don’t win the things that he’s won without being a really good player. He’s starting to add goals, some really important goals.
“He’s gonna be difficult to replace, but he’s almost certainly going to be missed.”
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox