Casemiro has branded Bruno Fernandes as the best player at Manchester United prior to his arrival.
The Brazilian is making a case for earning that title himself this season after helping the Reds lift their first piece of silverware in almost six years in Sunday’s Carabao Cup success. His headed goal broke the deadlock at Wembley before Marcus Rashford fired in his 25th strike of the season, an effort that was initially given as a Sven Botman own goal before later being overturned.
The 2-0 win ended the long wait for a trophy at United with both club captain Harry Maguire and on-field de facto skipper Fernandes lifting the cup together under the Wembley arch.
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Fernandes played in five of the six matches in the cup run success, grabbing two goals and an assist en route to the final. Casemiro was also lauded for his contributions, especially in the final which was his first domestic game back since his three-game red card suspension.
The linchpin pinpointed Fernandes as the player who stuck out to him before he agreed to sign for United in the summer. Speaking in the lead-up to the final, Casemiro told club media: “Before coming to Manchester United, I’d turn on the TV and watch their games… and he [Fernandes] was the best player.
“He’s one of the guys that helps up front and midfield, he is part of that transition. He’s our best player there.” Despite this respect, Casemiro was seen remonstrating with Fernandes after full-time for not passing the ball square to a teammate during a late breakaway, although quickly put it behind him to join in with the celebrations.
Some had accused Casemiro of moving to United for the paycheque and claimed he was happy to finish his career without further silverware after his trophy-laden time at Real Madrid. But Casemiro swatted away those suggestions and said he wanted to go down as a title-hunting star.
“That’s the most important thing,” the 31-year-old added. “Regardless if we win or not, because we know it’s hard to win titles, especially the Premier League, where all games are tough.
“But I want to win titles and important games here. It’s not easy. We know that. Especially because we’re talking about the most difficult league in the world. But that’s what I want to be known for.”
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