Brazil international Casemiro has been a massive hit with Manchester United fans since making the switch from Real Madrid last summer. There were several great signings made by Premier League clubs during the window, but has the Casemiro deal topped the lot?
Can United Finish Up in Top Four?
Before a ball was kicked in anger this season, Man United were aiming for a UEFA Champions League spot in the Premier League. As we enter the latter months of the 2022-23 campaign, the Red Devils have put themselves in a great position to secure a top-four finish, with the bookies pricing them at just 1/14. For those looking to bet on sports, you can get a price of 11/2 for Erik Ten Hag’s side to finish in the top two.
Manchester City and Arsenal are both flying and look nailed on to take two of the four Champions League places. The likes of Newcastle United, Fulham and Brentford are dark horses, while Tottenham Hotspur are also a threat. Liverpool have had a bad season, but Jurgen Klopp’s men have improved of late and have put themselves in the mix. The top-four battle will be a fascinating watch this season.
Casemiro Has Been Instrumental
With the Brazilian in his thirties when he made the switch to Man United, some would have felt his best days were behind him. However, if there were any doubters, Casemiro has proved them wrong and then some.
He has been a vital cog in Man United’s midfield machine, as the Red Devils have undergone a transition under new boss Ten Hag. Alongside the likes of Marcus Rashford and Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro has been a mainstay in the side and one of the top performers at Old Trafford this season.
Look at what this win means to Casemiro ? pic.twitter.com/VfE1ShMoT5
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) February 23, 2023
During his successful nine-year playing career at the Santiago Bernabeu, Casemiro was never a huge goalscoring threat. However, the 31-year-old has chipped in with several big goals at Old Trafford already.
Casemiro’s first Premier League goal came against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in a 1-1 draw back in October. He was on target for Brazil in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and returned with efforts for Man United in the Premier League, FA Cup and EFL Cup.
His biggest goal for the Red Devils came in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United in February. Casemiro scored the opener as Man United picked up a 2-0 victory at Wembley Stadium to get their hands on the first major trophy for six years.
? A magical day at Wembley. We are the Champions! ???#MUFC #CarabaoCup #EFL pic.twitter.com/eAT1M86IEm
— Casemiro (@Casemiro) February 26, 2023
As Man United look to fend off their rivals in the race for the top four and reach the latter stages of the UEFA Europa League and FA Cup, Ten Hag will need his big players firing on all cylinders from now until the end of the season.
Casemiro is right up there with Man United’s most valuable players right now, and the midfield maestro will no doubt play a huge role for the remainder of the 2022-23 campaign.
