Casemiro shows his leadership skills during brilliant De Gea moment in Man United win
Casemiro scored the first penalty for Man United against Brighton REUTERS/Craig Brough.
Man United booked the FA Cup final meeting with neighbours Man City after beating Brighton and Hove Albion 7-6 on penalties.
In what was a cagey affair at Wembley, both sides failed to find a goal in the 120 minutes of action. United forwards did well to get into the final third on several occasions but fluffed their lines when it mattered. Robert Sanchez impressively denied Marcus Rashford’s deflected goal-bound effort late in the game. Brighton, meanwhile, forced brilliant saves from David de Gea.
But when it came to penalties, United and Brighton stars put their scoring boots back. De Gea and Sanchez were beaten by every attempt from the spot, and after 12 perfect penalties, Solly March’s strike missed the target.
Victor Lindelof scored the 14th penalty to secure the win and save United from getting knocked out of a second competition in three days.
Casemiro shows his leadership skills in Man United win
Some eagle-eyed fans believe Casemiro was instructing his goalkeeper to move between the sticks and distract penalty-takers during the tense moment.
What was Casemiro doing during the shootout 💀😭
via @MufcWonItAll
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) April 23, 2023
One fan wrote: “Casemiro telling De Gea to stop being so static on the line before Brighton take their penalties.”
Perhaps De Gea should take note from someone like Emi Martinez, who’s expert at making himself seem bigger and intimidating between the sticks with his aggressive antics.
Casemiro, meanwhile, showed his leadership skills by volunteering to take the first penalty and ease pressure on his teammates. Apart from his contribution from 12 yards, he did well to disrupt Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo’s link-up in the middle of the park.
With a win over Brighton, United have set up a first-ever Manchester derby final in the FA Cup. In order to stop City, who are cruising in all competitions, and end their treble hopes many Man United stars, and not just Casemiro, will have to step up big time at Wembley.
