As Casemiro became part of Old Trafford history, Bruno Fernandes made it. It was a triumphant farewell to a cult hero, a record-equalling day for the captain and creator supreme. Manchester United midfielders past and present have plenty to celebrate, with Michael Carrick’s coronation as manager set to come soon.
But this was about a couple of his successors in the heart of the team. There were presentations on the pitch to each afterwards. Casemiro had exited bowing to all four stands as he received a standing ovation, hugs from teammates interrupting his journey off the pitch as he was substituted; his final contribution before then, perhaps fittingly, was to get booked. But the transformation in his fortunes in the last 15 months is testament to his character and he, in turn, has been a catalyst for a revival.
