Manchester United ended the Premier League season with a win. They beat Brighton & Hove Albion 2-0 at the Amex.
After what was a lacklustre first-half display and game in general, it was ultimately Erik ten Hag’s side that prevailed. Two second-half goals from Diogo Dalot and Rasmus Hojlund ensured all three points.
Dalot was by far and away the best player on the pitch, so he and Hojlund will definitely take the credit. However, there were some other good performances in different areas of the pitch.
One, in particular, was another defender, where the apology needs to be as loud as the disrespect.
Casemiro solid vs Brighton
The veteran Brazilian has come under some flack as of late, to say the very least. Pundits have torn into his recent performances, which have been more than a little shakey in the unorthodox role of centre-back.
However today, and against Newcastle, the five times Champions League winner showed his true class again. He barely put a foot wrong against the Seagulls and deserves to be commended.
His stats on the day reflect his quality shining through on Sunday evening:
- 90 minutes played
- 52/58 accurate passes (90%)
- 78 touches
- 6/10 (60%)
- 1 time dispossessed
- 4/5 tackles won (80%)
- 5 duels won
- 1 clearance off the line
- 5 blocks
A fine display, in potentially a Premier League farewell? Who knows, but the feeling is Casemiro will be sold in the summer. At least if he does go, he has silenced some of the haters in the previous two games.
Casemiro responds to criticism, then does so on the pitch
As well as responding on the pitch, Casemiro also responded to the criticism off the pitch. “I was considered one of the best signings of the Premier League last season, and now I’m not worth anything anymore?
“The criticism is disrespectful. So when it’s lacking respect, then it’s worrying, and I don’t have to respect that either”, told Sky.
Casemiro has hushed a couple of the critics, but will this change his Manchester United fate? Probably not. But at least he’s bowing out with a little more dignity.
Now, an FA Cup Final awaits, where the Brazilian could be crucial. Roll on next Saturday.