Manchester United star is bringing back his best version, performance against Fulham was a clear sign

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Manchester United snatched a nervy but deserved 1-0 win vs Fulham to get their Premier League up and running with three points.

Joshua Zirkzee marked a memorable debut with a goal as substitutes combined, with Alejandro Garnacho assisting with a cross.

United created plenty of chances to make the scoreline more comfortable but wasted all of them and that is something they will need to address in the future.

Meanwhile, their one big concern coming into the season seems to have been addressed already…

Casemiro 3.0 is looking like the real deal

Casemiro 1.0 is the all-conquering “cement between the stones” who was the maverick on which Erik ten Hag’s first season was built.

Casemiro 2.0 was the sorry version of 1.0 last season who looked like a deer in headlights in an empty midfield and chased shadows.

Casemiro 3.0, after pre-season and two competitive fixtures, looks like a man on a mission as he is fitter and leaner than ever, and is contributing in both boxes.

Against Fulham, he played like a man possessed. The defensive tour de force of the first season is still not there, but as he builds up his match fitness, his play going forward has been a revelation.

He created three chances vs the London team and arguably should have at least one assist. He had 81 touches of the ball as he repeatedly caused overloads in the attacking third with his presence and link-up play.

The Brazilian had 11 defensive actions as well as Fulham’s advances were repelled by a better team structure that didn’t leave him isolated like last season. This included four clearances and a remarkable six recoveries.

United need this version

The “No. 6” question has dominated the transfer agenda this summer, especially after the four signings have already been completed.

A part of the reason behind this urgency was Casemiro’s decline last season but so far, he has shown that if he doesn’t leave, which looks likely, he is far from being a wasted player on the bench.

His decline last year was always going to reverse to some extent due to just the changes in the team structure but his own effort has been pleasant to see.

He looks driven to make a difference, is looking to make things happen, and seems to have got his motivation back to contribute to the team.

It is a far cry from a player who was linked to Saudi Arabia at the start of the summer as a washed asset.