Casemiro and the Brazilian tekkers that even Ronaldinho would be proud of

There can be little debate that Casemiro ranks as one of the best holding midfielders of his generation and his latest ridiculousness for Manchester United showcases just that.

A few people had turned their noses up at United splashing around £60million on the Brazilian in the summer. Some thought he was looking for one final payday after all those years of glory in Madrid.

As it turns out, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Casemiro has bought into life in Manchester and the fans have quickly fallen in love with the 31-year-old.

While the efforts of Fred and Scott McTominay have been admirable over the years, United have desperately needed a classy operator like Casemiro in the middle for some time now.

The first thing that draws you to him is his temperament and ability to sniff out danger before it has even arisen. What truly sets him apart from the rest though are his fluttering moments of genius.

Just when you think you have a player like Casemiro figured out, he trumps you again by pulling off something spectacular. His latest moment of genius came against Bournemouth.

As the Bournemouth backline stood static like statues, the inventive Brazilian saw his moment to pounce. Christian Eriksen quickly cottoned on and dinked the ball over the helpless Cherries’ defence.

What then followed was one of the most ridiculous strikes Casemiro has ever pulled off in his career. Even Ronaldinho would be blushing at the Brazilian tekkers on display in this finish. Simply ridiculous.

this angle of casemiro's goal 🤩pic.twitter.com/jkJiE16o34

— ⚡ (@UTDCJ_) May 20, 2023

It’s no coincidence that United’s dip in form also coincided with Casemiro being out of the squad through suspension. He gives the whole United squad a structure, while also being capable of the spectator himself.

“Casemiro, in this team, he is such a leader, and he is so important for us,” Ten Hag told reporters back in March.

“Not only with his performances, skills, like scoring a goal, or his header [against Newcastle], or like linking up or intercepting balls. [He is important to our] organisation. The mentality, the culture, and we are so happy that we signed him.

“I knew what a magnificent player he was. Just look through his profile. You see all the cups he won and that’s not [a] coincidence,” Ten Hag added.

“Like Rapha Varane and Casemiro, they won five Champions Leagues. That’s not a coincidence, it’s not like all of a sudden. For me it’s always the same. You have players who win, and win always, and players who lose and always lose.”

The Brazilian midfielder is a born winner and he has been a fine addition to the Premier League this season. We’re in no doubt that United fans will be watching that goal back for the next week or two and we don’t blame them.

By Ben Stewart.

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