Reds breeze home to free up Thursday nights again

CASEMIRO'S infant son was in his father's arms prior to kick-off but too young to emerge from the tunnel.

- SAMUEL LUCKHURST

The two-year-old Caio, pacified by a dummy, may have removed it to hum along to the nursery rhyme that was the repeated chanting of his father's name.

There are some worthy nominees for the Sir Matt Busby statue but it belongs on Casemiro's mantlepiece. The Brazilian is one of United's few superstar signings in the last decade who have the club aiming for the stars.

The Stretford End rocked to Casemiro's name for several minutes as they savoured his opening goal, extended by the Video Assistant Referee check. Casemiro, on his haunches, waited anxiously until he received the desired signal and pumped both fists.

Casemiro sauntered off to the same sound at the interval, his dinked pass supplying Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial with instructions so straightforward even they could not botch it.

For a player regarded as defensive-minded, Casemiro is one of United's most influential attackers.

Casemiro's pass was reminiscent of Paul Scholes's for Wayne Rooney against AC Milan in the 2007 Champions League semi-final. The Old Trafford stadium manager can dust off the competition's banner and add its anthem to the playlist on Tuesday and Wednesday nights next season. Good riddance to the largely soulless Thursday evenings.

How apt Casemiro was the first goalscorer in the first League Cup final and on the night United ensured they will have Thursday nights off next season.

There were Brazilian tears, as well as cheers. Antony vainly attempted to overcome an apparent ankle injury but required a stretcher, his season seemingly over nine days before the FA Cup final. That sullied an otherwise buoyant night for United.