As Diogo Dalot spoke following Manchester United’s 5-2 victory over Leicester City, he could not speak highly enough of one Red Devil who marked Ruud van Nistelrooy’s evening in style.
Dalot, much maligned following a series of blunders at both ends of the pitch in the dying embers of the Erik ten Hag era, knows how it feels to have the weight of the world on your shoulders.
And as Casemiro limped towards the finish line following a dreadful 2023/24 campaign – Saudi Arabia seemingly calling for a man who’s time at this level appeared to have run out – few would have imagined that the Brazilian battle-axe would still be here, putting in performances like this in Manchester United red.
Casemiro was, to put it simply, outstanding. Putting on a show in front of a Man United fanbase desperate for some midweek fun, the former Real Madrid star produced on a genuine midfield masterclass.
His opening goal – a 30-yard rocket rattled into the top corner – was a sign of things to come. Ruud van Nistelrooy, taking interim charge as Man United wait for confirmation of Ruben Amorim’s arrival, celebrated as wildly as anyone on the Old Trafford terraces as Casemiro’s audacious long-range effort fizzed off the bar on it’s way in.
Diogo Dalot lauds Casemiro’s Manchester United masterclass
Next came a gorgeous clipped pass to set Diogo Dalot away, the right-back assisting Alejandro Garnacho to put United two goals ahead. A through ball in the manner more frequently associated with his former Real Madrid sparring partners Toni Kroos or Luka Modric.
Casemiro then capped a phenomenal evening with a thumping strike from a poorly-defended corner.
A first hat-trick of his senior career only narrowly evaded the veteran as a header flew past the Leicester post.
And, for Dalot, it was a delight to see Casemiro return to his impeccable 2022/23 levels on a night which went a long way to blowing away the cobwebs ahead of a fresh start.
“Unbelievable goal. He has that in him, those abilities,” Dalot said post-match. “And it shows how much he was confident to [shoot] that far from the goal. So I am glad he did.
“We know that when he is at this level, when he is in his best shape, I think he is an unbelievable player. He can help us a lot.
“So, today, I think he showed a very fantastic level.”
Dalot looks forward to United vs Chelsea clash at Old Trafford
Freed up by the inclusion of Manuel Ugarte – the Uruguayan enjoyed a fine evening himself as he prepares to welcome former Sporting boss Amorim to Old Trafford – this was a performance of trademark chaos coupled with class from a 32-year-old who, if used in the right way, could still have a huge part to play in the post-Ten Hag era.
Man United host Chelsea next time out in what is likely to prove a far tougher test of a squad which should, at least, have rediscovered some belief following a dismal few weeks.
“We have a fantastic game to play on Sunday at Old Trafford,” Dalot concludes.
“Hopefully the fans are with us like they have been all season. [We want] a good atmosphere and hopefully a good game to watch.”
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