“We have never faced a team like Manchester United before and a player like that guy”: Athletic Bilbao’s coach Ernesto Valverde names ONE Manchester United player who made him restless yesterday
Manchester United took a huge step towards the Europa League final after beating Athletic Bilbao 3-0 and, while captain Bruno Fernandes earned plaudits for his two-goal display, Spanish media were equally in awe of fellow midfielder Casemiro.
The Brazilian star turned back the clock on Thursday night with a solid performance at San Mames Stadium, scoring United’s opener and barely putting a foot wrong throughout the contest.
The 32-year-old midfielder completed 74 of his 87 passes (85%), attempted three shots, won nine of his 12 duels, made five clearances, four tackles and one interception.
His efforts helped United preserve their commanding 3-0 lead in the second half and take a huge advantage into the semi-final second leg at Old Trafford next week.
Casemiro Shines in Man Utd 3-0 Bilbao
‘He was everywhere on the pitch’
Spanish media were full of praise for Casemiro following his impressive display, with El Pais labelling him ‘the midfield watchdog’:
“Comfortable in his role, Casemiro, with little opposition, became the midfield watchdog, facing an exhausted Jauregizar, who was feeling the strain and unable to mow the field as usual.”
Mundo Deportivo said that Casemiro was ‘everywhere on the pitch’ and hailed him as the difference-maker:
“He was everywhere on the pitch, making a difference everywhere. He scored a goal, hit a header off the post, and acted as a firewall.“
Finally, AS pointed to Casemiro’s previous visit to San Mames as a Real Madrid player in 2014:
“Casemiro had already visited the Bilbao stronghold in the Champions League with Porto in 2014. He was a familiar torture with Madrid and repeated his role as the Red Devil.”
Casemiro made his 38th appearance of the season for United on Thursday and registered his fourth goal contribution of the Europa League campaign.
The Brazilian midfielder provided three assists in United’s stunning 5-4 quarter-final second-leg win over Lyon and has enjoyed regular minutes under Ruben Amorim in the Premier League lately, starting three of United’s last five games.
