Former Manchester United striker Dion Dublin has praised two United stars following the club’s 2-1 win against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
Manchester United secured a 2-1 win against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
United went behind very quickly thanks to a goal from centre-back Maxence Lacroix. United’s performance for the majority of the first half looked sluggish and lacked any kind of intensity.
Lacroix went from hero to zero in the second half after conceding a penalty and consequently being sent off following a foul on Matheus Cunha, which denied a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
Bruno Fernandes converted the penalty and then went on to assist Benjamin Šeško’s winner to help United to three points.
The win sees Michael Carrick’s side leapfrog Aston Villa and move into third place, a major step forward in securing Champions League football.
Dublin praises midfield duo
Following the final whistle on Sunday afternoon, former United striker Dion Dublin praised Fernandes and Casemiro.
“Well deserved today [for Man United]. Palace were great for 30 minutes in the first half, and United were finding it difficult to get a foothold in the game,” Dublin said.
“The sending off makes a huge difference to the game, but you still have to go and win the game and create chances. Bruno, outstanding. Casemiro, outstanding.”
United are undefeated after seven games under Carrick, and Fernandes and Casemiro have started all seven games, playing instrumental roles in United’s recent success.
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Fernandes has to stay
Casemiro will leave United this summer upon the expiry of his current contract. While he has had difficult moments since moving to Old Trafford from Real Madrid, the Brazilian’s time at the club has been largely positive, and he has been one of the club’s more consistent players during his four-year spell in Manchester.
Casemiro and Fernandes’ experience is crucial to this team, and United simply cannot afford to lose both of them in one transfer window.
Fernandes was the subject of a bid from Al-Hilal last summer, but the Portuguese international eventually opted to stay at United.
Fernandes reportedly has a release clause of around £56 million for clubs outside of England, and given the fact he still is one of the best creative midfielders in Europe, it’s certainly possible that a foreign club will make a move for United’s skipper this summer, but the club have to do everything possible to convince him to stay.
While a midfield overhaul is expected at United this summer, replacing both Fernandes and Casemiro in one window is a steep challenge.
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