Manchester United fans believe Casemiro should be the next captain of the club rather than Bruno Fernandes following the latter's display with the armband against Liverpool.
16.02.2023 - 08:03 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Midfielder Fred believes Raphael Varane's and Casemiro's previous experience of facing Barcelona will strengthen Manchester United's chances of getting the better of the Spanish giants in their highly anticipated Europa League knockout round tie.
The Reds, who last locked horns with the Spanish giants back in April 2019, face the Catalan outfit at the Camp Nou in the first-leg on Thursday evening, ahead of hosting them in the return-leg at Old Trafford next week. United finished second in their Europa League group, meaning they were forced into the unwanted play-off round, while Barcelona crashed out of the Champions League at the first hurdle.
The two clubs are among the favourites to go the full distance in the Europa League this season, meaning the winner of the tie's chances of going all the way will be significantly boosted. United are desperate to end their trophy drought this season and the Europa League presents them with a realistic opportunity of doing so.
READ MORE: United's 22-man squad confirmed for Barcelona fixture
Although Erik ten Hag's side will have to make do without Lisandro Martinez for the first-leg in Spain because of suspension, Casemiro is available for selection after sitting out the last two Premier League fixtures through a suspension of his own, meaning that will significantly bolster the Reds' hopes of coming out on top. And Fred has named his fellow countryman, as well as Varane, as figures who could make all the difference, pointing to their knowledge of facing Barcelona from their days at Real Madrid.
Fred, speaking to United's club website, said: "I think both, Rapha [Varane] and Case [Casemiro], [David] De Gea as well, have a lot of games against Barcelona. So, we have a lot of
Manchester United fans believe Casemiro should be the next captain of the club rather than Bruno Fernandes following the latter's display with the armband against Liverpool.
Going in at half-time 1-0 down was perhaps a harsh scoreline for Manchester United, with the half providing big chances for the team particularly in the air, with Bruno Fernandes guiding a diving header just wide, shortly before Casemiro’s headed effort would be ruled out for offside.
Here are your Manchester United evening headlines on Monday, March 6.
Erik ten Hag has named his starting line-up for Manchester United's Premier League showdown with rivals Liverpool at Anfield this afternoon, making a number of changes.
Graeme Souness has admitted he was wrong to think Lisandro Martinez's height would leave him exposed at Manchester United this season.
The gap between Liverpool and Manchester United last season could not have been any bigger.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp praised Christian Eriksen, Casemiro and Marcus Rashford ahead of his side's meeting with Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.
Manchester United fans were loving Fred's gesture to Wout Weghorst after the Brazilian sealed victory against West Ham on Wednesday night.
Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers has compared James Maddison to Manchester United midfielder Casemiro - saying both players have the ability to improve those around them.
Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has heaped praise on five of his teammates for their influence on his form for the Reds so far this season.
West Ham striker Michael Antonio has backed Manchester United to make a shock charge for the Premier League title this season.
Former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Emmanuel Petit has claimed that Paul Scholes was a "tougher opponent" than his Manchester United teammate Roy Keane.
Phil Jones believes that the arrivals of Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez have been "instrumental" in Manchester United's success so far this season.
Italy legend Giorgio Chiellini has claimed that Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez is perfect and admitted that he was wrong to doubt his ability.
Harry Maguire has urged his Manchester United teammates to enjoy the occasion this afternoon as they face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final.
When Raphael Varane rises from his plush pillow in his London hotel room this morning the nerves will begin to kick in. For a player who has won the Champions League four times and the World Cup, the Carabao Cup final might be considered a Sunday stroll. But for United's 'soldier' at the back, the butterflies will still be there.
Erik ten Hag has admitted it can be 'difficult' for Manchester United's players because of frequent references to the club's history. The Dutchman also confirmed that criticism from club legends in the media can affect members of the dressing room.
Lisandro Martinez cannot find the word but actions speak louder than words. He points to the Manchester United badge and pats it.
Former Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has lauded the impact of both Raphael Varane and Casemiro in Thursday night's Europa League win over Barcelona.
Midfielder Fred admitted that Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag told his players that they were not playing their usual game during the half-time interval of Thursday night's 2-1 win over Barcelona at Old Trafford.