Casemiro praises 'exceptional' team-mate in win

The Brazilian midfielder believes Erik ten Hag’s team were in charge of the match throughout the 90 minutes and has typically credited everyone involved.

“Congratulations to the whole team, it was controlled from the beginning to the end,” he said in an interview you can watch below. “Of course, it can be even better. We suffered one goal, but I would say that we had a pleasant evening. The most important is the victory, assuring our qualification to the next round.”

While Casemiro always thinks about the team, he felt obliged to praise one team-mate in Antony, who provided the killer pass for our first of the night.

“All the merit goes to him. It was a collective effort, when we score, it is always a team effort, but Antony’s pass was exceptional and I only had the job to put it in the back of the net.I had the composure to finish well, but his pass was exceptional.”

Casemiro was keen to recognise Antony’s efforts, labelling him an "important player" for us. He added: “He is exceptional. I know him very well, he is an incredible player, an incredible person that is giving the best that he can.” 

In keeping with the Brazilian theme of the night, second-half substitute Fred assisted Casemiro’s second goal before netting United’s third of the game, following his introduction from the bench. 

“Fred left me in a good condition, facing the ball and goal. The ball was deflected slightly and well, thanks to God I was happy to score the second one. 

“The team was more relieved [going 2-0 up] and that was the main thing.” 

Goals or no goals, Casemiro is just happy to help the team out in any way he can. 

“To score goals with this shirt, for Manchester United, is always important to help the team. 

“Obviously everyone knows that my role doesn’t involve scoring, my role is to give balance to the team, it’s a defensive role and [to] pass with quality.”

He continued: “But scoring is important as well, to help the team. No doubt I’m happy to score, happy to help the team in a match like this, with a lot of duels, hard to play – so I’m very happy to have scored a brace today.”

The Reds are now into the fifth round of the competition, just days after taking a huge step to a potential place in the final of the Carabao Cup, after beating Nottingham Forest 3-0 in the first leg of the semi-final. 

Casemiro believes every player has a part to play, whether it is from the off or from the bench. 

“We know, to win trophies and big matches, we need a good squad; it’s important to get minutes coming from the bench, score goals, for Antony to have a good game as he did today.

“All of this is important for Manchester United.”