Ruud: Casemiro is an example to us all

Wednesday 30 October 2024 23:30

Ruud van Nistelrooy was delighted with his team after they ran out 5-2 winners in his first game in interim charge, against Leicester City in the Carabao Cup.

Both Casemiro and captain Bruno Fernandes scored a brace while Alejandro Garnacho also found the back of the net. Although Bilal El Khannous and Conor Coady scored to keep the Foxes within touching distance, United were always in control.

Casemiro opened the scoring 15 minutes in with a 25-yard rocket of a strike that flew in off the underside of the bar. As the players wheeled away in celebration, the boss celebrated wildly on the touchline.

“The first goal was an unbelievable, top goal – fantastic finish,” he told MUTV after the game.

Van Nistelrooy, who was assistant manager under Erik ten Hag, explained what the goal meant to the Brazilian and to him, having been impressed by his work ethic in training.

“I’m delighted for him that the first goal went in,” he added. “I was delighted for Case, the way he’s been training and helping the team and the club, he’s such an example. You also see the crowd’s reaction and they also know what he’s about.”

Our no. 18 has had his fair share of criticism, particularly after the defeat to Liverpool, but nobody can ever doubt his quality.

Van Nistelrooy continued: “Of course, going through difficult moments, the Liverpool game, he got a lot of criticism. It was so hard, he was almost the one to blame for that game and it’s not fair, he didn’t deserve that, it was not true.

“If you see him in training and the way he prepares for games, with the history and all he has achieved with five Champions Leagues, he’s an example for us. That was part of my celebration, I’m happy for him.”

Following United’s emphatic victory over Leicester, they will now face Tottenham Hotspur in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.

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