Manchester United and Manchester City settled for a goalless draw at Old Trafford in a lackluster Manchester derby.
Neither side showed much urgency to push for a win, as both appeared content to avoid defeat. United arguably edged the performance, registering 13 shots compared to City’s 9, but both teams struggled to deliver any real quality in the attacking third.
The scoreless draw against Manchester City owed much to Manchester United’s rock-solid midfield, where Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte were instrumental in shutting down space and winning key battles.
Casemiro’s resurgence earns praise
After being sidelined in January in favor of Toby Collyer, Casemiro has clawed his way back into the starting lineup. With a consistent run of games under his belt, the Brazilian now looks fully in sync with Ruben Amorim’s tactical approach.
Against City, Casemiro was relentless—attempting 11 tackles, winning seven, and adding two interceptions to cap off a commanding display. He disrupted City’s rhythm and was a constant thorn in their side.
Following the game, Casemiro shared a post on Instagram celebrating the “Good battle at Old Trafford!” His teammates were quick to applaud his efforts—Bruno Fernandes replied with “Different class,” while Luke Shaw chimed in with “Monster,” along with a clapping emoji.
Amorim backs Casemiro’s commitment
Speaking after the match, manager Ruben Amorim credited Casemiro for forcing his way back into the team through hard work and adaptation.
“He wasn’t playing because at the time, I felt he wasn’t the right fit for our system,” Amorim explained. “But he worked hard, improved, and earned his place. If you perform, you stay in the team. The credit goes entirely to him.”
Although there’s speculation surrounding Casemiro’s long-term future at the club, it’s clear Amorim is fully backing him—for now.
With Kobbie Mainoo still unavailable, the Casemiro-Ugarte partnership is expected to continue in the upcoming Europa League clash against Lyon, where ex-United midfielder Nemanja Matic could feature for the French side.
Casemiro’s revival has silenced critics and reaffirmed his value to the team. His experience, tenacity, and leadership might just make him indispensable for United in their European ambitions.
What’s your take—should United stick with Casemiro for another season, or start planning for a younger successor in midfield?
