Manchester United’s excellent campaign in Europe continued on Thursday night with Ruben Amorim putting one foot into the Europa League final.
It is quite incredible how different Manchester United’s season has been domestically compared with the Europa League journey, which remains without a single defeat.
Despite pre-match nerves surrounding a presumed tough trip to Bilbao against Athletic Club, Ruben Amorim’s side made it look easy, as United scored a thumping 3-0 win over the Basque side.
It was a professional and composed display from United, and after taking the lead, the game never looked in doubt, which is a testament to the work Amorim has done, after how many European disasters we experienced under Erik ten Hag.
The goals came first through Casemiro and then a quick-fire brace from Bruno Fernandes to effectively kill the game and tie before the half-time whistle even blew.
Casemiro’s goal in particular saw the continuation of a surprise attacking partnership.
Harry Maguire and Casemiro are once again at the forefront of Manchester United’s attack
United took the lead through Casemiro in the 30th minute, and the goal was almost entirely created by unlikely means.
The move was made by Harry Maguire, with the centre-back picking the ball up on the right wing where he pulled out a few skills to beat the Athletic defender before crossing into the box.
The cross was met by Manuel Ugarte, who headed into Casemiro’s path for the goal.
This is not the first time that the pair have combined at the attacking end of the pitch, with the Brazilian assisting Maguire’s winner against Lyon in United’s 5-4 win in the last round of the Europa League.
Goals have been United’s biggest issue this season, and Amorim has found a recurring solution in Maguire and Casemiro’s output, by way of Ugarte on Thursday.
If United go on to lift the Europa League trophy later this month, much of the praise will be owed to Maguire and Casemiro as both have played major roles in saving Amorim’s season despite many writing the duo off earlier this season.
Casemiro’s revival has been the shock of the season for Manchester United
Not only were Maguire and Casemiro pivotal in United’s opening goal, but they are also invaluable at the other end of the pitch.
Both were imperious when called upon against Athletic at both ends of the pitch, and also are pivotal in terms of their experience, which helped United to a dominant win.
Casemiro, in particular, had an immaculate night, as he continued his career revival with another display which will make United think twice about axing him this summer.
Back in December, Casemiro was humiliated by Newcastle, who ran rings around him, which had even his staunchest defenders accepting his race may be run. But now, another season with United cannot be ruled out as he continues to re-endear himself to the fans and has also proved his worth to Amorim.
Nobody saw this return to form coming from Casemiro, and he could be bringing United to European glory this season.
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