Against Brentford, we saw Manchester United back among the wins for the first time in five games.
Prior to Saturday, it had been three Premier League games without a goal or a win, so for Erik ten Hag this result will be a huge relief more than anything.
The three points were secured by Manchester United in a 2-1 win over Brentford and this moves the Red Devils up to 11th in the table which is far from a feat to celebrate.
It is however a step in the right direction for United and it came in a comeback win – something that Sir Alex Ferguson made trademark in his time as manager.
Alejandro Garnacho scored the equaliser for United – prompting Ten Hag to laud him with praise after the game.
The comeback was completed by Rasmus Hojlund, as he chipped the keeper for his second goal of the season, with the Dane impressing fans in the process.
Casemiro was sublime for Erik ten Hag vs Brentford
It may have been Garnacho who has stolen all of the headlines and been named as United fans’ man of the match, but without the display of Casemiro – a comeback would never have occurred.
After the concerning first-half, the midfield came out for the second-half much better both in and out of possession – playing a key role in the win.
Casemiro barely put a foot wrong as he lasted 88 minutes before being withdrawn as he completely dominated the midfield in every single way.
- 88 minutes
- 47/56 passes completed (84%)
- 4 chances created
- 77 touches
- 1 successful dribble
- 4/5 tackles won (80%)
- 1 block
- 4 clearances
- 1 interception
- 13 defensive actions
- 6 recoveries
- 11 duels won
In every department of the pitch, Casemiro stood out against Brentford as he rolled back the years.
Starting alongside Christian Eriksen, both experienced midfielders gave us flashbacks to the 2022/23 season when the pair were sublime together.
Manchester United needed Casemiro to hit form
For United, Casemiro finding a vein of form would be perfectly timed considering Kobbie Mainoo has just been ruled out for weeks with an injury.
This leaves United without the best midfielder at the club, and so Ten Hag needs others to step up.
Casemiro, Eriksen and Manuel Ugarte are the three recognised senior options – while Dan Gore and Toby Collyer are possibilities that Ten Hag could call up into the senior team.
Casemiro is so often criticised at United, with poor performances more often than not, but he deserves his flowers.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/avEj2dY