Jose Mourinho’s coach explains how forgotten Manchester United star will be “key” for Rúben Amorim vs Real Sociedad

Jose Mourinho’s former Manchester United assistant coach, Rui Faria, has explained how one forgotten player could be key for Rúben Amorim against Real Sociedad on Thursday.

Manchester United return to Europa League action as they welcome Real Sociedad to Old Trafford for the second leg of their round of 16 tie.

The first leg in San Sebastián saw Joshua Zirkzee fire Rúben Amorim’s side into the lead before Mikel Oyarzabal’s penalty brought the aggregate score level at 1-1.

With a place in the quarter-finals on the line, both teams will be determined to come out on top. The winner will face either Olympique Lyonnais or FCSB, with the French side holding a 3-1 advantage heading into their second leg.

United’s last game ended in a 1-1 draw with Arsenal, a performance that offered plenty of encouragement. A buzzing Old Trafford atmosphere is expected as the Reds aim to take another step forward in Europe on Thursday night.

One forgotten player will be key vs Real Sociedad

Zirkzee’s goal against Sociedad seemed like a moment where everything United had been working toward in the game came together – Casemiro’s pass, Diogo Dalot’s progression, Alejandro Garnacho’s cross, and the Dutchman’s finish.

Rui Faria, who was at the game as UEFA’s technical observer for the tie, is a former employee of United, working as the assistant manager to former boss Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford.

Faria has worked with Mourinho for 17 years, so will no doubt have picked up a trick or two when observing football matches. Speaking ahead of the second leg, the Portuguese coach explained that Casemiro played a “key” role in the goal by protecting the back line while the United defence was under pressure.

“United win the first and second ball, then find stability in possession and leave the pressure zone, moving the ball to the other side and quickly attacking the goal,” Faria explained to UEFA’s official website.

“It’s a perfect example of how it’s vital to leave the pressure zone. Casemiro’s protection at the front of the defensive line is key. He makes himself available, uses his body well and threads a ball out of the pressure area using the outside of his foot towards Dalot.

“The players could play it safe and go back, but chose to attack instead. Why a team would do that depends a lot on the zone where the ball is recovered and the time and space the player has to take the best decisions to avoid losing the ball again.

“There are so many factors, like how aggressive the opponent is pressing and the space available, the options in front, to the side and ahead.”

With United facing Sociedad at Old Trafford on Thursday, there is little doubt that Faria feels Casemiro will be key for Amorim in the second leg to protect the back line against what will be a full-throttle Sociedad attack.

Casemiro has risen back into the ranks

A few weeks ago, Casemiro had become an all but forgotten member of Amorim’s squad, barely making an appearance across Christmas and the new year period.

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However, with Manuel Ugarte having been out of United’s last two fixtures, Casemiro has stepped up and played well, with Amorim crediting the veteran Brazilian for his fantastic displays on the ball.

Off the ball, Casemiro has been questionable, with the player often failing to cover ground if he is in too much space, but when United have played in lower blocks he has excelled both as a defensive general and a progresser of play.

Casemiro has started the club’s last two games, against Sociedad and Arsenal, and his performances warrant him to continue in his place on Thursday evening.

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