‘We looked very comfortable’: Pundit says Ten Hag’s changes vs Brighton gave one Red a ‘spring in his step’

Injuries plagued Manchester United’s 2023/2024 Premier League campaign from the first blow of the whistle in August to yesterday’s culmination at the Amex.

Erik ten Hag’s starting 11 to face Brighton and Hove Albion on the final day saw Bruno Fernandes deployed in a false nine role for the second successive game, while Casemiro again had to deputise for his sidelined teammates at centre-half.

The Brazilian was partnered by the returning Lisandro Martinez, whose availability comes as a huge relief to both Ten Hag and supporters ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup final after he was ruled out of last year’s clash at Wembley.

In the second half, Jonny Evans replaced Martinez, and Raphael Varane made his long-awaited comeback with a 21-minute off-the-bench cameo in place of Sofyan Amrabat, marking the World Cup winner’s final outing as a Red in the league.

As such, the two defenders’ entrances meant that Casemiro was – finally – able to operate from midfield for the first time in four weeks, and it didn’t take long for him to feel at home.

Casemiro’s relief at midfield return

MUTV pundit Danny Webber highlighted the veteran’s surge in confidence when seeing out the closing stages from his preferred position.

“He seemed to get a spring in his step, Casemiro, when he went back into midfield,” he claimed.

“I know that feeling when you are playing out of position doing a job, and then you get put back where you’re comfortable. He picked up the ball and created the assist for Diogo Dalot. From there on in, I thought we looked very comfortable.”