Manchester United beat Fulham 3-2 in dramatic fashion to record a third straight victory under Michael Carrick
Casemiro celebrates opening the scoring for Manchester United vs Fulham(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Since Michael Carrick’s return to Manchester United, Old Trafford has resembled the fortress of yesteryear. But it is not just the Theatre of Dreams enjoying an Indian Summer.
Before the victory over Arsenal, Casemiro announced he would not be signing a contract extension and would be leaving United at the end of the season. And so began a long goodbye for the Brazilian.
He impressed at the Emirates but against Fulham on Sunday afternoon, he proved how difficult he will be to replace. For a defensive midfielder, Casemiro is not expected to be an elite header of the ball but bar Harry Maguire, he was the only man on the pitch you wanted to be on the end of a Bruno Fernandes free kick.
Try MEN Premium NOW for just £1
FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FACEBOOK PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page
But he is more than just a source of goals this season for United. Alongside Kobbie Mainoo he dominated the middle of the park and restricted Fulham to half chances.
After the break, some frustration could be heard in the crowd as United failed to break down the Cottagers. But there was Casemiro again, threading an impressive pass for Matheus Cunha to fire home.
When he was eventually replaced by Manuel Ugarte, it was then that United were reminded of the transfer priority they need to resolve. The Reds lost control of the midfield without Casemiro and went from the comfort of a 2-0 lead to needing a moment of spectacular drama to win the game 3-2.
The worry for United is that defensive midfielder’s either cost the world or are not at the level required. Erik ten Hag allowed £42m to be spent on Ugarte in 2024 but he does not look to be capable of replacing Casemiro long-term.
With United unable to rely on the Uruguayan, Ineos will need to be prepared to spend big. Monday marks January transfer deadline day and unless there is a remarkable change of heart, it should be a quiet one at Carrington.
But on the eve of the big day, United were reminded of a huge deal they will need to make in the summer.