The Brazilian midfielder, Casemiro was the hero for Manchester United on Saturday night as they defeated Championship side, Reading 3-1 to reach the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Reading finished the game with 10 men following the red card (two yellows) handed to the veteran striker, Andy Carrol for a second bookable offence.
Casemiro who missed the club’s recent 3-2 home defeat to Arsenal due to his own bookings when United faced Crystal Palace, grabbed his brace before Fred reminded all and sundry that he is Brazilian blessed with samba skills when he flicked home audaciously as Manchester United’s Brazilian stars sparkled in Saturday evening’s FA Cup win over Reading.
Erik ten Hag surprisingly only made one alteration for a seemingly straightforward fourth-round assignment that his side initially made hard work of at Old Trafford.
But second half samba magic in the Manchester rain sealed United a 3-1 victory on a night when Amadou Mbengue grabbed Reading a consolation after Andy Carroll was sent off.
Marcus Rashford saw a goal ruled out for offside in an opening period that saw United fail with their 15 shots and nearly go behind in after Junior Hoilett caught Tyrell Malacia out just before the break.
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But Antony’s excellent defence-splitting pass put compatriot Casemiro through to beautifully lift over goalkeeper Joe Lumley early in the second half.
The former Real Madrid midfielder followed that with a fizzing 30-yard strike that was added to by a daring flick by Brazil team-mate Fred.
Ex-Liverpool striker Carroll received his marching orders shortly before United’s third and Reading’s travelling fans were able to celebrate Mbengue’s goal as Paul Ince’s men ended brightly.
The result means United’s Old Trafford clash with rivals Leeds can be played on 8 February – one of eight fixtures they face in a jam-packed month.
Next month will surely end with a shot at Carabao Cup glory after Wednesday’s 3-0 semi-final first-leg win against Nottingham Forest, making Ten Hag’s selection here all the more eye catching.
Meanwhile, Christian Eriksen was seen leaving Old Trafford on crutches.
The Danish midfielder seems to have sustained an injury in United’s 3-1 win over Reading in the FA Cup.
Eriksen was substituted for Fred in the 57th minute, but no one thought it would be such a severe injury.
The midfield maestro has been one of United’s most reliable and consistent players this season.
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