Casemiro shows true class with scoop goal before giving all the credit to Man Utd pal

On Jan 28, 2023

Casemiro was once again the star of the show for Manchester United in their FA Cup win over Reading on Saturday – but the midfielder was keen for teammate Antony to get in on the praise.

The former Real Madrid star scored twice to turn the fourth round tie on its head after Championship outfit Reading had frustrated United to keep the score goalless by half-time. Despite all their efforts, it took just four minutes for Casemiro to find the net twice to put his side in command – both with well-taken finishes.

His first saw him produce an exquisite scooped dink over Reading goalkeeper Joe Lumley, before he found the bottom corner moments later with a curling long-range effort.

But whilst Casemiro will take much of the plaudits for his opener, it was a defence-splitting pass from Antony which created the chance by effectively taking four opponents out of the game to put his compatriot in on goal.

Controlling a cross-field pass from Christin Eriksen before cutting in from the right-hand side, Antony spotted the run of Casemiro, before fizzing a low, driven pass between two banks of Reading defenders.

One on one with the keeper, Casemiro did the rest, lifting the ball over Lumley to break the deadlock as he hared towards the corner flag in front of a packed Stretford End in celebration. But once the cheers had died down, Casemiro immediately showed his appreciation to Antony, putting his arm round him and pointing to the winger.

Casemiro’s second wasn’t bad either, receiving a pass from Fred around 40 yards from goal before striking it first time towards goal. He got some fortune with a slight deflection on its way before it nestled into the corner, though it was arguably just reward for taking the bold shot on.

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Casemiro celebrates with Marcus Rashford and Antony after his opener
(Image: Paul Currie/REX/Shutterstock)

He was then involved in the next flashpoint, as Reading’s Andy Carroll was sent off for two bookable offences, the second of which was for a late challenge on Casemiro which sent him sprawling to the turf. Fred then put United three ahead to put the game to bed with a clever backheel from Bruno Fernandes’ cross following a quick corner.

Amadou Salif Mbengue grabbed a consolation for 10-man Reading with just under 20 minutes remaining but they never really threatened to mount a comeback. Speaking after the match, pundit Ian Wright described Casemiro’s opening goal as “beautiful” and admitted he would “give him Man of the Match for that alone”.

Casemiro gives credit to Antony for his incredible assist
(Image: Getty Images)

Former United captain Roy Keane added: ” He’s been a huge signing. Over the last few years Man United, particularly in and around the middle of the park, have lacked a quality player, a big personality, a guy with a bit of presence.

“Again, he’s a top quality player and we see it week-in week-out. He affects games. Before he came there was this perception that he was a sitting midfielder because he was working with players at Real Madrid who were more attacking-minded, but we’re now seeing over the last few months he’s got so much quality going forward in terms of the final pass, and he’s getting goals as well as being very good defensively so huge signing for Manchester United, he looks like a really big personality which United needed.”