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Brazilian midfield maestro Casemiro scored two goals as Manchester United cruised past Reading 3-1 to reach the FA Cup fifth round at Old Trafford on Saturday night.
While the Brazil midfielder was brought to the club in August 2022 to deliver steel to the heart of United’s midfield, he displayed his effectiveness further forward to break the Royals’ resistance early in the second half.
He scooped home the opening goal after racing on to Antony’s incisive pass, and doubled United’s lead four minutes later, curling in from the edge of the box after collecting Fred’s pass.
“He’s done what he was brought in to do. He’s a phenomenal player,” said United captain Harry Maguire.
“You don’t win what he’s won without being a top player. He’s improved the team, the morale, the performance and it is great to have him.”
The former Real Madrid midfielder’s absence was sharply felt by United during their Premier League defeat at Arsenal last weekend, and he was given a standing ovation by the home supporters who fully recognise his value to the club.
“He [Casemiro] is really important with all his experience, but he is such a smart player and intelligent,” said United manager Erik ten Hag.
“He knows the positions, how to deal with the ball and also he is creative as well, and we are really happy with him. He is important for the improvement of the team.”
Any hopes Reading had of mounting a recovery were dented when Andy Carroll was sent off after picking up his second yellow card shortly before Fred backheeled in the hosts’ third goal from Bruno Fernandes’ cross.
And although Ten Hag’s side had opportunities to score a fourth, substitute Amado