24 April 2023 , 08:00
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Manchester United fans were left waxing lyrical over Casemiro after the Brazilian proved the star of the show during their tense penalty shootout with Brighton.
After the FA Cup semi final finished 0-0 after 120 minutes, Erik ten Hag's men booked a final date with Man City by coming through 7-6 on spot kicks. Solly March's sudden death miss proved decisive, the winger blasting over the bar before Victor Lindelof buried the winner.
During the shootout Casemiro was seen dancing and waving his arms on the halfway line, in an apparent attempt to urge keeper David de Gea to move about on his line. The Brazilian had earlier buried the opening penalty for his side.
And footage later emerged of the 31-year-old actively putting himself forward to go first. As assistant manager Steve McClaren addressed the players, Casemiro is seen stepping forward and putting his hand up, gesturing to be No.1 on the list.
By the time he stepped up, Mac Allister had given Brighton the lead, but Casemiro levelled matters by sending Robert Sanchez the wrong way. Both sides then converted their next five efforts before March missed.
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And fans of the Red Devils relished their key man taking responsibility. @UtdEra_wrote: "Casemiro is a born leader. He opted to take the first penalty which is always crucial."
Casemiro converts United's first penalty at Wembley (PA)@centredevils added: "Casemiro stepped up and positively directed the team by taking the first penalty. Leader," while @BlessedUtd said: "Casemiro wanted the 1st penalty, now that’s a leader on the pitch respect."
The former Real Madrid man was actually criticised in the week after seemingly laughing following the final whistle as United were dumped out of the Europa League in Sevilla, and @MikaelMadridsta argued he was a man for pressure occasions. "Casemiro wanted to take Man United’s first penalty, he’s built for the big moments," he tweeted.
United will now face City in the final, which could serve as chance to prevent their derby rivals replicating the treble they themselves won back in 1998/99. That Wembley clash takes place on Saturday, June 3, with a 3pm kick off.