Casemiro was influential as the Red Devils claimed a 3-0 victory in Spain. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Manchester United will take to Old Trafford next Thursday in hopes of seamlessly punching their ticket to the Europa League final.
It’s now half-time in the two-legged semis, with the Red Devils boasting a hugely positive three-goal advantage over Athletic Bilbao after a dominant display at the San Mames Stadium.
United quiet a rowdy Bilbao crowd following unstoppable first-half
A brace from Bruno Fernandes and a headed opener via Casemiro allowed United to enter cruise control in what turned out to be a considerably quieter second half. Ernesto Valverde’s side were left limited in the attacking strategies they had initially planned for the tie due to Dani Vivian’s 35th-minute sending-off, forcing them to adopt an entirely new game plan.
Alas, the hosts were ultimately hit for three without being able to conjure up a goal in response, leaving them all the work to do when they make the trip to England.
From Ruben Amorim’s perspective, he’ll likely be thinking that another goal wouldn’t have gone amiss, especially given how the Reds had essentially full control of the run of play after establishing their lead.
Casemiro had no patience for his counterparts slacking
Certain players were still grafting tooth and nail until the full-time whistle blew, too. Casemiro put in a stalwart display in the middle of the park; as per StatmanDave, the Brazilian veteran had 106 touches in total, won 100 per cent of his aerial duels attempted (five), and completed 72 passes.
He also made four clearances and won three tackles, and is continuing to repay Amorim’s faith now that he’s being trusted with a starting role.
After setting such a high standard, Casemiro wasn’t allowing any of his teammates to come in and jeopardise United’s near-perfect performance.
That’s why he, according to Rio Ferdinand, was quick to keep Mason Mount in line when the substitute entered the fray in the closing stages before needlessly giving the ball away.
“Casemiro turned round to Mason Mount to say ‘keep the ball’. His head was shaking in disgust,” said Ferdinand on TNT Sports’ live coverage.
