Manchester United displayed a commanding performance as they secured their place in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with a 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace. This triumph, following a narrow win against Burnley over the weekend, was one of the most convincing performances by the Red Devils this season.
In a much-changed United lineup, Anthony Martial and Alejandro Garnacho found the net for the first time this season, with Casemiro, the team’s leading goalscorer, perfectly placing a header in between. The result was a comfortable victory over Roy Hodgson’s side.
Casemiro’s Performance: A Resounding Return to Form
Entering his second season in English football, there were doubts about the Brazilian midfielder’s form after a lackluster start to the campaign. Gary Neville, a club legend, even described the midfield as “non-existent” following the 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on the opening weekend.
However, any concerns about Casemiro’s performance were decisively dispelled against Crystal Palace. The 31-year-old was the orchestrator in the heart of United’s midfield, earning praise as the “conductor” of the team from The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell. Throughout the match, he controlled the tempo and direction of play.
According to fellow journalist Carl Anka, Casemiro seems to have “shaken off that early season ring rust.” He showcased his scoring ability by netting his fourth goal of the season during the first half. Furthermore, he provided a pinpoint cross that led to Martial’s goal, demonstrating his playmaking skills.
Casemiro’s impact extended beyond scoring and assisting; he completed ten of his 14 long passes, consistently seeking to advance the team. His comprehensive performance earned him a standout match rating of 8.9, according to Sofascore. Only his teammate Diogo Dalot, who received an 8.3 match rating, came close to matching his contribution.
In summary, Casemiro’s outstanding performance in midfield played a pivotal role in Manchester United’s convincing victory over Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup. After a shaky start to the season, the Brazilian midfielder appears to be back in top form, which bodes well for the Red Devils as they aim for success in various competitions.