Michael Carrick has admitted Casemiro possesses a “sixth sense” when it comes to finding the net, a knack the Manchester United boss says simply cannot be coached.
The deep lying midfielder has never been known for his goals. His job has always been to break things up, to protect the back four, to do the dirty work. But this season? Something has changed.
Eight goals. A career best. The latest came against Leeds at Old Trafford, a header that briefly gave United hope before the visitors left with all three points.
Carrick is running out of ways to praise him.
‘You can’t always coach that’
Speaking exclusively to MUTV ahead of Saturday’s trip to Chelsea, the United head coach tried to explain the inexplicable.
“He’s certainly got the knack and the feeling, and that sense in and around the box,” Carrick said.
“He’s got that sixth sense, in some ways that you can’t necessarily coach or you can’t necessarily always give the perfect moment or the action or the run to fit the cross.
“You’ve got to put yourself in positions and sense the space and then, obviously, on top of that, to finish it and show the composure.
“I think he’s certainly done that this season.”
Bruno’s the supplier, Casemiro’s the finisher
No player has assisted Casemiro more during his United career than Bruno Fernandes. Six of his eight goals this season have been provided by the captain. That is a partnership that has grown into something genuinely dangerous.
Before this campaign, Bruno had already laid on four assists for the Brazilian. This season, he has found a way to consistently pick him out, usually at the end of a cross, usually with his head.
Carrick, however, was quick to stress that this is not a new talent.
“He’s always scored important goals,” the boss admitted. “He’s always found himself there at certain times.
“He’s scored good goals for us, important goals, just this season alone.
“Unfortunately, that one [against Leeds] just wasn’t quite enough for us to get back in the game.”
Chelsea test awaits
Saturday night at Stamford Bridge. Champions League football on the line. A Chelsea side that Casemiro has previously put three past during his time at United.
Carrick will be hoping the Brazilian’s sixth sense is working overtime.
Because if Casemiro can sniff out another goal in west London, United might just leave with the points that keep their European dreams alive.
The bottom line
Eight goals from a holding midfielder. A career best. A “sixth sense” that defies explanation.
Casemiro is signing off his final season at United in style. And if he keeps finding the net, he might just carry them into the Champions League.
Carrick knows it. Bruno knows it. And Chelsea have been warned.
