Manchester United and Manchester City played out a goalless draw at Old Trafford, with both teams showing little urgency to secure a win in this Manchester derby.
The match was lackluster, with neither side pushing hard enough to find the back of the net. United, despite a decent overall performance, only managed 13 shots, while City registered 9, highlighting the lack of quality in their final-third play.
A key factor in the stalemate was United’s solid midfield, particularly Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte, who effectively denied City the space to create chances and won crucial duels throughout the game.
Casemiro, who has been working hard to get back into the starting lineup after being overlooked for Toby Collyer in January, has now found his rhythm under manager Ruben Amorim.
The Brazilian midfielder’s contributions were undeniable, as he attempted 11 tackles, winning 7, and also made 2 interceptions, proving to be a constant thorn in City’s side.
Following the draw, Casemiro shared a post on Instagram, expressing his enjoyment of the “good battle” at Old Trafford, with his teammates offering praise in the comments. Bruno Fernandes, in particular, showed admiration for his performance, calling him “different class,” while Luke Shaw, who was on the bench, referred to Casemiro as a “monster,” adding a clap emoji in appreciation.
Ruben Amorim also addressed Casemiro’s recent performances, acknowledging the midfielder’s efforts in winning back his place in the team.
Amorim explained that Casemiro had initially been left out because he wasn’t the best fit for the team’s style of play at that time, but the midfielder’s hard work and improvements earned him the chance to play regularly again.
Amorim emphasized that he believes in giving players opportunities based on their form and that Casemiro’s commitment and strong performances made him a vital part of the team moving forward.
While Casemiro’s situation in the summer may still be subject to speculation, Amorim’s comments make it clear that the midfielder has regained his trust.
With Kobbie Mainoo still sidelined, it’s expected that Casemiro and Ugarte will form the midfield partnership for United’s upcoming Europa League match against Lyon, a tie that adds an extra layer of intrigue with the possible appearance of former United player Nemanja Matic for the French side.
Casemiro’s remarkable turnaround from being benched to now commanding the midfield in critical matches like the Manchester derby is a testament to his resilience and ability to adapt to Amorim’s tactical demands.
His statistics—11 tackles attempted, 7 won, and 2 interceptions—show just how much he contributed to United’s solid performance. His teammates’ praise, along with Amorim’s words, reflect the respect he has earned within the squad.
As United look to secure a Champions League spot via the Europa League, the partnership of Casemiro and Ugarte will be crucial in their quest for success.
The question remains whether Casemiro’s recent form will be enough to secure his long-term future at Old Trafford or if United will consider a younger, more long-term option in the summer.
