Casemiro is proving to be a superb signing by Manchester United (Picture: Getty Images)
Rio Ferdinand has hailed Casemiro as ‘the most important part of the Manchester United jigsaw’ after another fine display in the 2-1 derby win over Manchester City.
The Red Devils produced a dramatic comeback to beat City at Old Trafford, falling behind on the hour mark, before late strikes from Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford gave them a famous win.
Both goal-scorers played huge roles in the win, as did the defence, with Luke Shaw continuing to impress at centre-back, but Ferdinand picked out the Brazilian in midfield for his contribution.
Casemiro arrived from Real Madrid over the summer and has been impressive from the moment he started playing regularly, with Ferdinand believing he is the key to United’s strong showing so far this campaign.
‘They would have been a fragile team in that environment there, you could see there were cracks but you can see there’s a togetherness and it’s all knitted together by Casemiro,’ Ferdinand told BT Sport after the fine win for the Red Devils.
‘I think he’s been the most important part in the whole jigsaw for them.
‘It’s by no means finished, but he’s been a really important part and the glue that sticks everything together. It all goes through him.’
Also receiving praise from a Manchester United legend was Alejandro Garnacho, who came off the bench and set up Rashford’s winner, looking dangerous on the left wing.
Paul Scholes has been impressed every time he’s seen the youngster and thinks he looked better than Brazilian star Antony who came on to play on the right flank at half-time.
‘I think a special mention for Garnacho as well, it was a massive influence when he came on – I’d argue a bit more of an influence than Anthony was,’ Scholes told BT Sport.
‘He’s shown when he came into the game he can be so quick, it looks like he’s going to score goals, runs through all the time, and makes United look really dangerous.’
MORE : Why Bruno Fernandes’ goal in Manchester derby was not ruled offside
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‘The glue that sticks everything together.’
