Pep Guardiola identified the one Manchester United player who truly bothered His teammates tonight. “I already felt that I have lost the game but Kudos to Bernardo Silva that saved me from humiliation today,” Ten Hag said as he hauled him in.

Manchester United could count themselves unlucky to not start the season with a victory as they lost the Community Shield final to Manchester City on penalties.

Erik ten Hag’s men put up a great display and had arguably the best chances of the game but were left to rue their profligacy.

A key man in the buildup of United’s attack was unexpectedly their defensive midfielder, as Casemiro’s slick one-twos and rapid thinking fashioned clear-cut chances.

He grew into the game and even showed glimpses of his debut season self in the second half as he performed the role of a traditional defensive midfielder.

Casemiro turns back the clock
The Brazilian came into this game facing arguably the most scrutiny out of any United player, as it’s an open secret that United are looking to reinforce that position.

Add to that his declining form last season, a less-than-stellar pre-season, and transfer rumours, and one would be forgiven for thinking he was a dead man walking on the Wembley pitch.

However, what transpired vs City showed there’s life in the old horse yet. He started in an unconvincing fashion, too trigger-happy with slide tackles and being rushed into possession.

However, as United grew into the game, so did he, with his one-touch long passes to forward runners becoming a thorn in City’s side.

He created two chances, looking like he was on the same wavelength as Amad as the Ivorian ran circles around the defence with nifty link-ups.

Then, in the second half, when City ramped up the pressure, Casemiro rediscovered the defensive discipline that made him such an asset in the 2022/23 season.

He swept up everything in front of him and launched himself into duels, a sight far removed from last season where he was like a deer in headlights marshalling an empty midfield.

Promising signs in a marriage of convenience
Casemiro’s wages mean it was always going to be difficult to shift him unless a Saudi side came in, which hasn’t happened so far.

Therefore, United and the player are stuck in a marriage of convenience where the club would rather have someone more mobile and secure in that position.

However, just like Jadon Sancho’s reintroduction to the team, it is in the best interest of all parties if they navigate this marriage of convenience to the best of their abilities.

For United, it’s trusting him to play well instead of freezing him out and for Casemiro, it’s about putting his heart on the line every game and do his best instead of sulking.