62 touches, 4 tackles – Manchester United star “relished” Real Sociedad clash, he is proving Ruben Amorim wrong

One Manchester United star “relished” the clash against Real Sociedad on Thursday evening despite the game ending in a stalemate.

Manchester United and Real Sociedad played out a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Europa League round-of-16 clash at the Reale Arena.

Ruben Amorim’s side controlled much of the match’s opening 70 minutes and took a deserved lead through Joshua Zirkzee.

However, United were left frustrated by another controversial VAR decision, as Bruno Fernandes was penalised for handball, allowing Sociedad to equalise from the spot.

Despite late pressure from the hosts, United held firm to ensure the tie remains level ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford next week.

Casemiro relished Sociedad clash and is proving Amorim wrong

Casemiro was brought into the starting XI for this game after a positive display from the bench against Fulham in the FA Cup defeat on the weekend.

The Brazilian midfielder has only started a handful of games under Amorim, with the United boss previously explaining that he prefers characteristics from other players ahead of him.

However, the 33-year-old produced a very solid display back in Spain and was one of United’s best players on the night. Rich Fay claimed that he “relished” the clash.

Casemiro won four tackles and eight duels across the 90 minutes. He also was impressive on the ball, with 62 touches and five completed long passes.

It was a smart outside-the-foot pass from the Brazilian which launched United’s attack for the opening goal.

Casemiro wants to stay at United

Despite the head coach’s prior comments about Casemiro being on the bench, the experienced midfielder is attempting to prove him wrong with some solid performances.

He also received praise from Paul Scholes on the night and will be hoping to start against Arsenal on the weekend.

Casemiro recently expressed his desire to stay at United next season despite rumours about a potential summer exit.

That has caused split opinion as some fans believe United need to sell him in order to have the cash to buy new players.

Read More: Manchester United’s five things noticed as poor decisions from two stars cost the win vs Real Sociedad

For now, it seems like the ex-Real Madrid star is focused on showing improved performance levels at Old Trafford.

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