Roy Keane hails “brilliant” Manchester United star Casemiro after Brazil beat South Korea
Manchester United icon Roy Keane has hailed Casemiro as “brilliant” after Brazil beat South Korea 4-1 in the World Cup round of 16. The Canarinho took on Paulo Bento’s team at Stadium 974 on Monday (5 November).
The Red Devils’ midfielder played the full 90 minutes for Tite’s team against the Taegeuk Warriors. He was solid for the South American side as they dominated the South Koreans.
Speaking to ITV (h/t Manchester Evening News) after Brazil’s win, Keane, who featured for Ireland during the 1994 World Cup, expressed his delight with Casemiro’s consistency. The former United midfielder believes the Brazilian is more than just a defensive player.
“I think he’s a brilliant player. You give him credit, he turns up every week, you know what you’re going to get which is a huge compliment to a player. You fall into this trap of not knowing if players are going to turn up – he does, he turns up every week.
“He’s six foot, won the big prizes, gone to United, settled in very well. Labelled a couple years ago unfairly that he’s a sitting midfielder, he’s far from it. He links up play, already got a goal in the World Cup, he’s brilliant but he turns up and has a great attitude.”
Brazil scored all of their four goals against the team captained by Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min in the first half. Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior broke the deadlock in the seventh minute.
A few minutes later, the Canarinho were handed a penalty, which Neymar slotted in the back of the net. Richarlison got on the scoresheet as well just before the half-hour mark. Then, Lucas Paqueta scored the fourth goal in the rout.
South Korea had managed to get into the knockout round after beating Portugal in their final group-stage fixture. However, against Tite’s team the Taegeuk Warriors were unable to cope.
Casemiro played the first two in Group G for Brazil. The 30-year-old scored the only goal in the 1-0 win over Switzerland, booking his nation’s place in the round of 16. Subsequently, the former Real Madrid star was given a rest against Cameroon.
Brazil will now face Croatia in the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Qatar. Casemiro has been a key member for them up until now.
More Manchester United News
- Switzerland and Borussia Monchengladbach star Yann Sommer set for Premier League move with Manchester United interested
- PSV Eindhoven want £50 million for the Netherlands forward and Manchester United target Cody Gakpo
- Real Madrid interested in England star Marcus Rashford; Manchester United concerned about his future
The 30-year-old has shown his qualities at United as well. After initially being unable to get into Erik ten Hag’s plans, the midfielder has now cemented his place in the Dutch manager’s starting lineup.
Hopefully, Casemiro enjoys a fruitful time in Qatar with Brazil and returns to Manchester in high spirits to help us win some silverware this season.
