- Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes were on the target for the hosts in their 3-0 victory
- Fernandes converted from 12 meters before a second goal finished with categorically
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Rio Ferdinand was efficient in his praise of Manchester United’s performance in Bilbao throughout the match during a comment, but a particular player drew his attention.
Manchester United set foot in the Europa League final with a 3-0 victory against Athletic Club in Bilbao, with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes both on the target against the hosts of 10 men.
After a tense opening exchange, the visitors quickly got to the top, and after the opening of the Brazilian found himself a man after Dani Vivian was sent for a foul on Rasmus Hojlund.
Captain Fantastic Fernandes converted the penalty before adding the third of his team by the break, and United maintained his advantage of three goals to return to Old Trafford with a foot already in the Europa League final.
Ferdinand, however, was quick to stack the praise on the Brazilian veteran Casemiro for his role in the night.
“I don’t think Casemiro was wrong. It was sensational tonight. He was so disciplined, “said former Man United Defender on TNT Sports.
Rio Ferdinand was full of praise for the star of Manchester United Casemiro Thursday evening
The Brazilian midfielder (rear right) checked the United midfielder in a febrile San Mames
Casemiro also got on the match sheet in the first half while United took the lead very early on
“People have talked about getting rid of him, his legs have passed and stupid.
“But I tell you what, he came in the foreground when they needed him.
“He trains this team through it and it’s a massive moment of the season for them.”
It was not quite the move that many were waiting for when Casemiro signed for United in 2022, but he showed Thursday evening that he could still show lightning of his shine on what was his 112nd European game.
Casemiro helped control the midfielder for United, and we could see those around him instruct him over the game.
Especially in the second half, he barked orders and directed the middle of the park, guiding United through the game, calling all the experience he acquired during his legendary fate with Real Madrid.
For Robbie Savage, a tactical adjustment seemed to be what brought out the best of Casemiro.
“They were trying to play through him. But he faces the game more now, he knows what he is doing ” said former Wales International.
Robbie Savage said that a tactical adjustment was responsible for united from it
Bruno Fernandes scored the other two goals of the night in an important for Man United
“Instead of playing through him, where he takes a lot of touches, I think he faces the right time not now.”
Ferdinand added: “ they don’t try to play through him like a pivot where he has taken things up and he can be in a hurry and lose the ball. It’s not his game.
“It makes him simpler, but also, they allow large spaces around him where he would be physically exposed.
“He has this support behind and communication.
United will welcome the Basque team at Old Trafford next week, but first, they will visit Brentford, who beat the Nottingham forest in Champions League Thursday evening, in the Premier League.
