Statistical view: Casemiro growing into Man United role as Brazilian shines vs Tottenham

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 19: Erik ten Hag embraces Casemiro of Manchester United after they are substituted during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on October 19, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Manchester United’s 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday must have left Erik ten Hag satisfied, with the performance possibly being the best since he took over in the summer.

Ten Hag’s men were dominant from the first minute and they fully deserved the win – they were unlucky to not go into half-time leading.

They made their dominance pay after the interval, however, with Fred opening the scoring early before Bruno Fernandes scored the killer blow.

Casemiro started his third consecutive Premier League game and although he is unlikely to steal any headlines after the win, he is starting to prove exactly why United were so keen on signing him.

The 30-year-old hardly put a foot wrong in the game and was taken off to a standing ovation in the dying embers – clearly, the Old Trafford faithful have already found another favourite.

Casemiro, alongside Fred, smothered any attempt Tottenham made through the middle of the park and in possession, he was masterful, starting several good moves. That’s backed up by the statistics as well.

According to Statman Dave, the former Real Madrid star had 70 touches over the 87 minutes he was on the pitch, boasting a pass accuracy of 85%.

More importantly, he made a whopping 10 ball recoveries, won four ground duels and completed three of his four attempted long balls. He also made two interceptions and one clearance as he guarded United’s backline to perfection in the hugely important win.

Scott McTominay, his main competitor for that position, made a late cameo and Ten Hag now has the luxury of picking between either after it initially looked like United were light in that area.

United will be hoping to take this good form into Saturday’s mouthwatering trip to Stamford Bridge and as things stand, you would think that Casemiro will be making his fourth straight start in the league.

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