Casemiro has forced his way back into Erik ten Hag’s first-team plans, with two weeks left for clubs to make offers to lure him away from Manchester United.
The Brazil midfielder’s future at Old Trafford looked in doubt over the summer, with interest from Saudi Arabia in the player signed two years ago for £60m.
He was on the bench for the FA Cup final in May before pulling out of the match-day squad through injury, fuelling suggestions he could leave United. But he played in the Community Shield and impressed in the win over Fulham on Friday night.
“In that midfield unit he was very important in and out of possession, organising with smart solutions,” said Ten Hag. “This is the Casemiro we all enjoy.”
United have looked at Paris St-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte and Burnley’s Sander Berge should they need to replace a player in central midfield. Scott McTominay has also had interest this summer from Fulham and Napoli.
Fulham were defeated by Joshua Zirkzee’s debut goal, while another memorable moment was Lisandro Martinez muscling Adama Traore off the ball despite a difference in size between the opponents.
Traore, known for covering his biceps in baby oil to slip past opponents, was barged over by Lisandro having got around him earlier in the match. “I sent him to the gym,” said Lisandro.
“I learnt from the first one when he ran at me. In the first situation he killed me, then I killed him back. It’s really difficult to play against this opponent.
“I always believed in myself and my strength. I know I am not tall, really, really tall, but I will win and will go with personality into every duel.
It gives you that connection with your teammate; if you win that first duel your teammate says ‘I should work like you’.”
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