Manchester United’s captain Bruno Fernandes names ONE Man United’s teammate who shocked him with a performance never seen from ‘a teammate before’ against Man City.
Manchester United and Manchester City battled to a goalless stalemate at Old Trafford in a rather uneventful derby, where neither side showed much urgency to push for a win. While United slightly edged the attacking stats with 13 shots to City’s 9, the overall lack of cutting edge in the final third from both teams left fans wanting more. However, one of the bright spots for United was their midfield solidity, particularly the performance of Casemiro alongside Manuel Ugarte. The duo effectively disrupted City’s rhythm and limited their space, helping United control key areas of the pitch.
Casemiro, who had previously been dropped in favour of Toby Collyer earlier in the year, has made a strong comeback into the starting lineup. He looked right at home in Ruben Amorim’s system, showing confidence and discipline. In this match alone, he registered 11 tackles and won seven of them, while also making two crucial interceptions—statistics that highlight the gritty, no-nonsense side of his game. His effort didn’t go unnoticed either, with teammates quick to sing his praises after the game. Bruno Fernandes labelled him “different class” on Instagram, while Luke Shaw, returning from injury, referred to him as a “monster” in his comment.
Ruben Amorim acknowledged Casemiro’s recent resurgence in his post-match remarks. He explained that earlier in the season, the Brazilian wasn’t aligned with the style of play he wanted to implement. But Amorim made it clear that once a player adapts and delivers, they earn their place back. He credited Casemiro for his professionalism and persistence, reaffirming that he remains an important part of the squad moving forward.
With Kobbie Mainoo still recovering, the Casemiro-Ugarte combination is expected to continue in midfield for the upcoming clash against Lyon—a match that could see a familiar face in Nemanja Matic line up for the French side. The encounter will not only carry significance in terms of Europa League progression but also bring a sentimental element with Matic’s return to face his former club.
Casemiro’s recent form has definitely silenced critics and helped reestablish his role as a midfield general. Whether this will be enough to secure his long-term future at Old Trafford remains to be seen, especially with the club reportedly exploring younger midfield options. But for now, his performances are making a strong case for his continued presence in red.
