On one of the most remarkable nights Old Trafford has ever seen, Manchester United snatched victory from the jaws of defeat to beat Olympique Lyonnais 5-4 after extra time.
The performance saw the best and the worst of Ruben Amorim’s side, and no player has had more individual ups and downs than Casemiro, who was immense for the Red Devils tonight.
Revelling in the sort of open midfield rarely afforded him in the Premier League, the Brazilian was United’s creative spark as they marched through to the semi-finals of the Europa League.
The midfielder made four key passes, more than anyone else in red, and provided two extra-time assists making him the architect of half of his side’s open play goals and the magician behind their stunning comeback.
What’s more, he was the man fouled for United’s penalty which was duly tucked away by Bruno Fernandes to kickstart the incredible turnaround.
None of his team-mates made more accurate passes than his 55, and his passing success rate came out at a respectable 87%.
The 33-year-old also rolled back the years in a physical defensive display, hurling himself around the pitch to do his best to stem the floods as Lyon attacked relentlessly.
With the French side dominating in the second half, Casemiro was only outdone in his defensive actions by United’s centre-backs.
His eight clearances were bested only by Leny Yoro, and only Harry Maguire blocked more shots.
He also made three tackles and two interceptions as he battled hard in the midfield for the full 120 minutes.
Casemiro is often held up as a figure illustrating everything that’s wrong with the club at the moment, a highly-paid player generally acknowledged to be past his prime.
But tonight showed everything good about him, as the serial winner helped dragged United over the line in one of their most memorable comebacks.
All stats from sofascore.
Featured image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images
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Joe Ponting
Joe has spent more than half his life writing about football and all of it following United. As a child he told a doctor his name was ‘Paul Scholes’, but could never pick a pass like him no matter how much he tried.
