Man United’s Casemiro bounces back with excellent performance against Barnsley

Casemiro answered the critics in the perfect way against Barnsley on Tuesday night, putting in a dominant midfield performance.

Manchester United fans certainly would have slept like babies last night, after the Red Devils played their most complete performance under Erik ten Hag so far. The 7-0 win over Barnsley was more than deserved, with the Red Devils in full control from minute one.

The game itself always felt like a real opportunity to do two things. Give some fringe players a chance, while also building the confidence in some key starters who have been struggling. Marcus Rashford, Antony and Casemiro certainly fall into the latter category.

I’m pleased to report all three had good games. Rashy scored twice, Antony once and Casemiro looked dominant in midfield.

Let’s focus in on the Brazilian midfielder, who had been struggling to begin the season. This was an excellent bounceback display from the United star, who definitely sent a message out to his critics.

Statman Dave produced some numbers on Case’s performance, including 109 touches, an 89% pass accuracy and 3 tackles won. It felt like the ex-Real Madrid man played a well-rounded game in every aspect.

Check out the stats in full here:

During the Liverpool game, it felt like Casemiro’s confidence had completely gone. This was an excellent way for the midfielder to get those positive juices flowing again. He was truly brilliant, albeit against League One opposition.

It certainly helped that Casemiro was deployed further up the field. He’s not a defensive midfielder. He never has been. He plays that box-to-box role incredibly well and in that position he can still produce the goods for the Red Devils.

Manuel Ugarte’s arrival at the club will definitely help Casemiro in that regard, though beating out Kobbie Mainoo for a spot higher up the field may not be easy.

All-in-all, it was an excellent night for Casemiro, who’ll likely be tasked with the start against Crystal Palace away on Saturday.

Do you think Casemiro still has what it takes to play at the highest level? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.