Casemiro has once again demonstrated his exemplary leadership skills when Manchester United needed him most in Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final.
The Brazilian was in the thick of the action across 120 minutes of open play against Brighton at Wembley and further displayed his bravery when the cup clash headed to penalties.
United had never won an FA Cup shoot-out despite lifting the famous trophy 12 times throughout their title-laden history, and where many have previously shirked the high-pressure situation, Casemiro stepped up.
The 31-year-old is used to dealing with tense moments as his accumulation of five Champions League titles during his years at Real Madrid shows, on Sunday he was placed in his first shoot-out with Man United but handled the situation with impressive calmness.
While United boss Erik ten Hag and his assistant Steve McClaren rallied their energy-stricken players for a shoot-out that would decide who would be joining Manchester City in the final, Casemiro showed his ability to take on the challenge.
Casemiro has demonstrated his immense leadership qualities in Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final win
Casemiro (red shirt) scored United’s first penalty against Brighton with a cool finish into the bottom corner
Casemiro (middle right) nominated himself to take United’s first penalty against Brighton
The combative midfielder only moved to Old Trafford in the summer following years of unrivalled success at Madrid, but has quickly endeared himself to supporters and forged a reputation as one of the club’s leaders.
Fans on social media spotted that Casemiro nominated himself to take United’s first penalty in front of a baying Brighton crowd who were doing everything they could to help steer their team to just a second-ever FA Cup final.
Casemiro raised his hand as McClaren looked for someone to volunteer to take the first penalty and got United off to the perfect start by coolly rolling his effort into the bottom corner.
United would eventually win the shoot-out as Swedish defender Victor Lindelof capitalised on Solly March’s blazing effort that sailed over the bar.
But the midfielder didn’t simply score his effort and relax on the halfway line as others made the long walk to the penalty spot.
Instead he decided to offer United goalkeeper David de Gea some advice, in the hope that it would help him distract Brighton’s penalty-takers.
Originally locked arm-in-arm with Marcus Rashford – who also scored – Casemiro jumps away from his team-mates before shouting to catch De Gea’s attention.
The Brazilian (number 18) danced on the halfway line to show United goalkeeper David de Gea how to put Brighton’s penalty specialists off
Casemiro (left) was all smiles after the shoot-out as he celebrated with team-mate Tyrell Malacia (right)
He then jumped around waving his arms in an apparent attempt to show the shot-stopper how to move between the goal as Brighton’s shoot-out specialists stepped up.
The ever-energetic Brazilian shook his arms wildly, kicked his legs out in various directions, and bounced side-to-side as De Gea watched on.
Unfortunately the United shot-stopper didn’t seem to get the message as he failed to stop a single strike, with his side securing their place in the final after March failed to even hit the target.
Victory ensures the club will face Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the FA Cup final for the first-time in the competition’s history.
source: dailymail.co.uk
