Manchester United overcame Barcelona at Old Trafford on Thursday to qualify for the Round of 16 of the Europa League. Brasilian midfielder Casemiro was key to that United victory. However, it was his reaction to a fight that was truly endeared him to fans after the game.
Casemiro's excellent display against Barcelona
The Manchester United midfielder was in the starting eleven to face Barcelona in this return game in Old Trafford. It is clear to say that he wanted to finish his birthday on a high note. Casemiro was given the rating of 7.21 by the BBC, only goal scorer Anthony got a better grade.
He kept his team in the game while they were leading 1-0 with a decisive tackle followed by a great block in the same action. Xavi's men had two chances there to come back in the match and bring this tie to extra time.
Best CDM in the World @Casemiro pic.twitter.com/Aut4A1kK94
— Max MUFC (@maxmufc7) February 23, 2023
Casemiro's reaction to players brawl
Shortly after the hour mark, Aaron Wan-Bissaka fouled Frenkie De Jong. Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United midfielder, then kicked a ball at De Jong. Fernandes gesture led to a huge brawl in between several players of each team. Several player but not Casemiro who didn't seem bothered about the fight.
Casemiro didn't bother getting involved. Man doesn't even trust himself 😅 pic.twitter.com/AKt0Sm7MtB
— UF (@UtdFaithfuls) February 23, 2023
A funny video footage from the stands shows that Casemiro actually wanted to get involved in the brawl. However, he thought about what happened to him the last time he was involved in a fight
Casemiro running to get involved before remembering what happened last time he did 🤣pic.twitter.com/xWSXKHpXN1
— UnitedReds (@UnitedRedscom) February 24, 2023
Fans reactions to him leaving the brawl
Many fans were amused about Casemiro's action knowing that he has a reputation to be a very fiery player.
In his last Premier League game, he was sent off for putting his hands around Crystal Palace player Jack Hughes' neck. That action lead to him being suspended for three (league) games.
When asked about Casemiro's decision to not take any notice of the fight in between his teammates and Barcelona players, a fan joked by saying: "The Stretford strangler had a day off".
Erik Ten Hag's influence on the Brasilian midfielder
Casemiro has been impressed with his manager since Ten Hag joined United last summer. The Dutch coach's "obsession for winning" amazed Casemiro at the start of the season. When he spoke to the BBC, he said that Ten Hag's obsession to win is what makes him a 'top coach':
He's a very demanding coach, wanting perfection. He knows it's difficult to achieve perfection. In life and football, it's difficult to achieve perfection, but he's a top manager, a top coach, with an incredible obsession to win.
It is maybe thanks to his willing to attend perfection that Ten Hag managed to change Casemiro. Indeed, after that rightfully deserved red card against Crystal Palace, the Manchester United coach must have had a few words with Casemiro.
Erik Ten Hag knows how crucial his Brasilian midfielder is for the team. It is important for United to not get any players suspended in this final part of the season. Being in a title race for the domestic league and still in for the chance of winning Europa League, they must put all chances on their side. It is probably thanks to the words of Ten Hag and his staff that Casemiro didn't take part in the brawl. No one knows what could have happened to him if he took part in it.
As he received a yellow card later in the game a potential outburst for him in that players fight could have possibly led him to being sent off yet again.
At the end of the day, Casemiro couldn't have had a better birthday. He played very well, won the game against the number one rivals of his former team. Most importantly, his team advanced to the next round of the European competition.
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