If anyone doubted Manchester United’s decision to splash the cash and buy Casemiro from Real Madrid, they should re-watch Sunday’s Carabao Cup final. In that game, Casemiro showed his immense quality, experience and confidence. In short, a fantastic player delivered a perfect performance to drive his team to a trophy. The Red Devils’ 2-0 win over Newcastle United at Wembley was an example of how experience makes a telling difference in finals. The Brazilian midfield maestro has played so many of them at the biggest stage so running out to face the Magpies was just another game to him. He scored the opening goal and was immense in the midfield.Casemiro & Raphael Varane have now won 15 trophies when playing together:UCL 🏆🏆🏆🏆Club World Cup 🏆🏆🏆La Liga 🏆🏆Supercopa 🏆🏆UEFA Super Cup 🏆🏆Copa del Rey 🏆🆕 League Cup 🏆What a pair. 🤜🤛 pic.twitter.com/ymT8iUCxnP— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 26, 2023 Casemiro was named man of the match on the day he won the 21st major trophy in his career. He lifted five UEFA Champions League trophies, three Club World Cups and a trio of La Liga titles. To him, the Carabao Cup is like a walk in the park.Manager Erik Ten Hag summed up his midfield general and Raphael Varane, another former Real Madrid star.”They know how to win trophies. You need them on the pitch to organise the team, especially mentally and they have a winning attitude that they bring into the dressing room.”##NAJAVA_MECA_7049886##Casemiro’s goal and the celebration that came after it showed just how hungry he is to win. That hunger has made him much more than just a good player. He’s a true winner who thrives in the pressure that comes with big games. The Brazilian has won in 13 of the 14 finals he played in. It’s just amazing.What’s better than a trophy? More trophies!The stats tell their story about Casemiro’s Wembley appearance. According to Squawka, the Brazilian completed 100% of his take-ons, won 100% of his aerial duels, recovered six balls, had five tackles, won eight duels and made a couple of clearances. Out of his 53 touches of the ball, only one was a shot – and he made it count.Ten Hag’s chances of winning a trophy in his first season in charge of the Red Devils were boosted by Casemiro’s signing, but the journey has just started. The former Ajax manager wants trophies to become normal again.”We are still at the start of restoring Manchester United to where we belong – and that is winning trophies. There was a real hunger and desire for trophies because that is what Manchester United stands for.”Even after winning a trophy, Casemiro was getting on Bruno for not passing the ball at the end 😂 pic.twitter.com/QBUPiBkGRU— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) February 26, 2023 Casemiro delighted the fans — and made quite a few of them laugh — when he confronted teammate Bruno Fernandes after the final whistle, criticising him for not passing the ball earlier. The match was over, Manchester United were celebrating a cup victory, and yet, Casemiro wanted his team to play better. It’s the mentality of a natural-born winner.
