“We could have defeated easily yesterday but that guy was everywhere…I have never played against an opponent like him”: Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola names ONE Man United’s player who shocked him with a terrific performance yesterday
Manchester United shared the spoils against Manchester City in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The Red Devils had the opportunity to do the league double over City for the first time in five years, but they lacked the cutting edge in the final third.
Joshua Zirkzee had the best chance in the 77th minute. He produced a perfectly timed header towards the far post, but Ederson made a fine save to deny him.
Bruno Fernandes was undoubtedly the stand-out performer for the Red Devils, but we were equally impressed with Casemiro’s presence in midfield.
The former Real Madrid man was a regular on the bench at the start of Ruben Amorim’s reign, but he has won the manager’s faith with recent performances.
Casemiro was handed regular starts before the international break due to Manuel Ugarte’s injury and has managed to keep his place over recent outings.
He had a good game at Nottingham Forest despite a 1-0 loss. Against City, the Brazil international won a stunning 13 duels with seven successful tackles.
The 33-year-old had 60 touches over 90 minutes and also made three recoveries and two interceptions in a superb all-round showing for the Red Devils.
Following the goalless draw, Amorim acknowledged that Casemiro deserves to play after the improvement shown. He seems undroppable based on current form, in our view.
United face Lyon on the road in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final on Thursday.
Amorim could go with a similar line-up from the Manchester derby. The only swap could be upfront. Rasmus Hojlund could make way for Zirkzee to start.
The Red Devils are among favourites to win the European competition, which guarantees a direct route to the league phase of next season’s Champions League.
