Casemiro secures an early lead for United with sensational long-range thunderstrike vs Leicester

Casemiro has got Manchester United off the mark for the first time post-Erik ten Hag era.

The Brazilian has given his side an early lead at Old Trafford in tonight’s fourth-round Carabao Cup clash against Leicester City – and he’s done it in some fashion.

Casemiro received the ball from Alejandro Garnacho, who has since extended the scoring to 2-0, and just took one touch to set himself before dispatching an inch-perfect strike from around 25 yards out, which bounced in off of the crossbar to break the deadlock inside 15 minutes. It was undoubtedly a finish that Ruud van Nistelrooy would’ve been proud of as he watched on from the sidelines.

WOW WHAT A HIT FROM CASEMIRO! 🤩

Casemiro opens the scoring with a sensational hit from distance as Ruud van Nistelrooy celebrates on the touchline 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/ukCC1kiWXH

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) October 30, 2024

A place in the quarter-finals is up for grabs if the Reds can see out their lead against the Foxes, and it may well provide soon-to-be manager Ruben Amorim the chance to secure silverware in his maiden campaign in England.

Casemiro opens scoring for Van Nistelrooy at Old Trafford

Van Nistelrooy has deployed Casemiro alongside Manuel Ugarte for the tie, primarily due to the absence of Kobbie Mainoo. Christian Eriksen is also missing from the matchday squad this time around, so it remains to be seen if he’ll return to the line-up for Sunday’s clash with Chelsea – or whether the Dutchman will still be at the reins.

The interim boss reacted to Erik ten Hag’s departure in his pre-match programme notes, writing: “As I am sure everyone can imagine, I am writing these notes with a huge amount of mixed emotions.

“Erik ten Hag brought me back to Manchester United in the summer, and while I have only been part of the coaching staff here for a few months, I will always be grateful to him for giving me the opportunity, and I am saddened to see him leave.

“Even on an interim basis, it is a great honour to manage the club I love for however long I am asked to do so. I can promise that I will continue to give my all, in whatever capacity, to try to turn around our fortunes.”

Video courtesy of Sky Sports.