- Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes were on target for the hosts in their 3-0 victory
- Fernandes converted from 12 yards before an emphatically finished second goal
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Rio Ferdinand was effusive in his praise of Manchester United’s performance in Bilbao throughout the game while on commentary, but one player in particular caught his eye.
Manchester United put one foot in the Europa League final with a 3-0 win over Athletic Club in Bilbao, with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes both on target against the 10-man hosts.
After a tense opening exchange the visitors quickly got themselves on top, and after the Brazilian’s opener found themselves a man up after Dani Vivian was sent off for a foul on Rasmus Hojlund.
Captain fantastic Fernandes converted the penalty before adding his side’s third by the break, and United held on to their three-goal advantage to head back to Old Trafford with one foot already in the Europa League final.
Ferdinand, though, was quick to pile the praise on Brazilian veteran Casemiro for his role on the night.
‘I don’t think Casemiro has put a foot wrong. He’s been sensational tonight. He has been so disciplined,’ said the former Man United defender on TNT Sports.
Rio Ferdinand was full of praise for Manchester United star Casemiro on Thursday evening
The Brazilian midfielder (back right) controlled the midfield for United at a febrile San Mames
He also got himself on the scoresheet in the first half as United took the lead early on
‘People have been talking about getting rid of him, his legs have gone etcetera.
‘But I tell you what, he’s come to the fore when they have needed him.
‘He’s coaching this team through this and it’s a massive moment in the season for them.’
It has not quite been the move many expected when Casemiro signed for United back in 2022, but he showed on Thursday night that he could still show flashes of his brilliance on what was his 112th European game.
Casemiro helped control the midfield for United, and could be seen instructing those around him as the game went on.
Particularly in the second half, he barked orders and bossed the middle of the park, guiding United through the game, calling on all the experience he gained during his legendary spell with Real Madrid.
For Robbie Savage, a tactical tweak seemed to be what has brought the best out of Casemiro.
‘They were trying to play through him. But he’s more facing the game now, he knows what he’s doing,’ the former Wales international said.
Robbie Savage suggested a tactical tweak was responsible for United getting the best out of Casemiro
Bruno Fernandes scored the other two goals on the night in an important for Man United
‘Instead of playing through him, where he’s taking lots of touches, I think he’s facing the right way more times than not now.’
Ferdinand added: ‘They’re not trying to play through him like a pivot where he’s got his back to things and he can be pressed and lose the ball. That’s not his game.
‘This makes it simpler for him but, also, they’re allowing big spaces around him where he would be exposed physically.
‘He’s got that support behind and communication.’
United will welcome the Basque side to Old Trafford next week, but first they will visit Brentford, who beat Champions League-chasing Nottingham Forest on Thursday night, in the Premier League.
