Manchester United fans are hailing Casemiro as a “born leader” and the potential next club captain after a number of clips showing his inspiring behaviour during the penalty shootout in the FA Cup semi-final on Sundayappeared online.
United booked their return trip to Wembley on 3 June and secured a Manchester Derby in the FA Cup final for the first time in the competition’s history with a game-winning seventh spot kick from Victor Lindelöf after Brighton’s Solly March skied his shot over the bar.
There were some seriously impressive pens from the likes of Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho too (no doubt a big relief after the disappointment of Euro 2020) but the moment many supporters have fallen in love with is the footage of Casemiro showing his true leadership during the shootout.
As the cameras panned over the United huddle after it remained goalless following extra time, you can see the Brazilian immediately volunteering to take the first penalty and stepping up like the role model he has clearly become in the dressing room.
As you can see, United fans were made up to see him not only slot home the first penalty — which is always so crucial in a shootout — but setting the tone and an example for his teammates to be just as confident with their spot kicks.
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Reacting to the video online, many fans have said it’s not only proof that the 31-year-old is a “born leader” but that it should definitely put him in contention to take the armband, especially with Harry Maguire‘s performances and captaincy looking so flimsy.
That wasn’t the only clip that Reds have been raving about either, as footage of Casemiro telling keeper David de Gea to distract the Brighton players whilst they took their penalties has also been circulating on social media.
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The top-level sh*thousery and mind games never stop, especially not in knockout football.
lt seems like a distant, confabulated memory to think that the former Real Madrid man and five-time Champions League winner was ever considered to be ‘over the hill’ or a desperate signing for United.
He is now widely considered one of the best signings they have made in some time, with the club’s finally acquiring the kind of midfielder destroyers they’ve been crying out for and finally starting to find the right balance in the centre of the pitch — you only have to luck at their win percentage when Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen all start together.
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The serial winner and football veteran seems to be making a habit of bringing a smile to fans’ faces whether he’s on the pitch or not, as it was only a couple of months ago in the EFL Cup final that displayed similar leadership qualities and laser focus even after the full-time whistle.
One thing is for sure, the CDM and his winning mentality will play a big role in the FA Cup final, regardless of whether the result is red or blue.
Casemiro himself might not have been able to watch when it came to the decisive penalty, but he clearly helped his teammates put their best foot forward.
As for you lot, you can watch the full thing HERE.
Featured Image — @mxnuted.aep (via TikTok)/Manchester United (via Twitter)
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Manchester United considering approach for Wolves boss Gary O’Neil over mystery coaching role
Danny Jones
Manchester United are reportedly considering an approach for Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Gary O’Neil over a potential new coaching role.
Although it is thought the Wolves boss is about to be handed a brand-new contract following his impressive efforts at the West Midlands club, a new report from ESPN‘s Mark Ogden is now suggesting that O’Neil is set to be tapped up by Man United as they look to rebuild their backroom.
According to the article published this week, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS Sports team are interested in offering the 40-year-old as yet unconfirmed role on the Red Devils’ coaching staff and while it’s still unclear whether Erik ten Hag has the new co-owner’s full confidence, it’s clear they’re making plans.
Echoed by The Athletic‘s ever-reliable David Ornstein, who reiterated that Ogden is “really well connected” with the club, it looks like there might be some real legs in this.
What job is Gary O’Neil being considered for at United?
As for what O’Neil’s role around Old Trafford and Carrington, more specifically, would be were he to say yes or even consider an offer (it is thought no formal talks have been held at this stage), that remains a bit of a mystery.
That being said, with the likes of Steve McClaren serving a second spell as assistant manager at ten Hag‘s side – having been hand-picked by the Dutchman for his experience – along with Mitchell van der Gaag who arrived with him from Ajax, it seems unlikely either of the two would make way for O’Neill.
However, with both Michael Carrick and Kieran McKenna departing the club in recent years, leaving few other notable outfield names other than ex-striker Benni McCarthy who has been looking after United forwards since 2022, he could be appointed as a strategic figure amongst the first-team coaching staff.
Either way, O’Neil signed a three-year deal with Wolves when he was appointed in August 2023 and has already seen some pretty impressive results, leading them to an admirable 10th place in the Premier League at present, so any proposal from United would have to be a handsome one.
While it still feels unlikely that Gary O’Neil would give up the top job at a top-flight club for an as-yet ‘unknown’ position at United, who remain in flux and still plenty of uncertainty as they start this next chapter, there is an undoubted appeal to being at one of the biggest football clubs on the planet.
Sources are said to have confirmed the United’s interest and O’Neil himself is now aware of the prospective approach but neither club is yet to address the situation.
Ogden’s report also goes on to cite recent rumblings surrounding potential figures to succeed ten Hag if he were to be sacked, with names like Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and Brentford’s Thomas Frank being floated around.
In fact, even England manager Gareth Southgate has been linked, though the suggestion has already been shrugged off by the bulk of the fan base and the Three Lions boss himself has also been quick to dismiss the rumours:
Watch the wholesome moment Jude Bellingham gives his jacket to a young mascot to keep him warm
Danny Jones
England supporters are already getting very excited to see Jude Bellingham in the starting 11 ahead of Euro 2024 but the midfielder is winning over even more fans after a clip of a wholesome moment between him and a young mascot went viral.
The Three Lions ended up drawing 2-2 in their second friendly of the international break against Belgium (losing 1-0 to Brazil in the previous game) with Bellingham scoring the equaliser in the final minute of stoppage time.
However, as much as the home fans are looking forward to the Real Madrid star rallying his teammates at the Euros this summer, it was this small but touching interaction with a young kid as the two sides lined up with their mascots just after the walkouts.
Seeing the rain falling and quickly checking in with the small boy sitting in the wheelchair below him, Bellingham rightly offered his pre-match jacket to the little lad to keep him warm.
The reaction online was just as heartwarming too, as countless people jumped on social media to leave comments like, “This is how you know he is Brum, what a nice fella”, “makes me proud to be English” and “Classy as ever from the 20-year-old”.
One person even went so far as to add: “Make this guy captain, wrap him in bubble wrap and take care of him. All youngsters should watch how he conducts himself, absolute professional.”
He wasn’t the only one either, as many eagle-eyed viewers also noted that Manchester City stars Phil Foden and John Stones also gave their jackets to the young mascots standing with him prior to the match. We really do have some lovely lads in this team, don’t we?
Elsewhere, another Greater Mancunian player once again delighted those in the stands and watching back home as Kobbie Mainoo not only made his second appearance and first full start in an England shirt but also earned himself the man of the match award.
The Man United starlet was a late inclusion into Gareth Southgate’s provisional Euros squad, which is likely to change again before the tournament starts, but you won’t find many fans Reds or otherwise wanting him anywhere else other than in the starting lineup.
We’re starting to really like the look of this squad both on and off the pitch and one thing’s for sure, they aren’t just nice blokes – there’s plenty of talent amongst them to win something.
You can watch the highlights of England vs Belgium in full down below: