Two European champions "fuel" Man United in FA Cup final

Casemiro and Raphael Varane, one after the other, joined Man United in search of new challenges after years of being full and winning trophies with Real Madrid.

Far from being a new destination for peaceful days to retire and enjoy a full life in the land of fog, they have to "work hard", fight to the end for a Man United that is always trying to find its golden age.

The duo shared four Champions League titles while playing for Real Madrid

At the age of 31, Casemiro signed a contract to move to Man United with invaluable experience after many years of playing professional football. With Real Madrid participating in 16 finals, Casemiro won up to... 15 titles, from the Champions League, European Super Cup, Club World Cup to the Spanish King's Cup, of which, the Champions League alone won 5 times.

Two world and South American champions join forces at Man United

After winning the Copa America with Brazil, Casemiro arrived at Old Trafford with a contract worth up to 70 million pounds and a sky-high weekly salary of 375,000 pounds. This seems to go against the criteria of not buying old stars with too much money at Man United, but in reality, he is worth every penny the team spent.

Raphael Varane, the owner of 4 Champions League titles and also a World Cup champion, also arrived at Old Trafford at the "old age" - 28. The contract value is not very high for a world-class center back, only nearly 40 million pounds, but the weekly salary of 375,000 pounds almost made people call Varane a "bad deal" after his first season did not contribute much to Man United.

Varane has a lot of experience to face all star strikers

"Last season was a time to adapt and understand better how to manage the intensity of the game. This season, I have played much better. I am happy with what happened," Varane shared after Man United finished third in the Premier League and secured a ticket to next season's Champions League.

The "Red Devils" also won the English League Cup and are waiting for the opportunity to conquer the second trophy of the season if they defeat Man City in the FA Cup final on the night of June 3.

Varane adds defensive strength to the "Red Devils"

The French centre-back spoke about his two seasons in England: "You need motivation, personality, passion because this is the Premier League, the highest level. There are many strong teams with many good players in the squad and to play at a club like Man United, you need something different, that is fighting spirit, taking responsibility, never hiding on the pitch and ready to face any challenge that may come."

Manchester United at their peak under Alex Ferguson was a team of big names and champions in the dressing room. The arrival of the charismatic star Eric Cantona at the "Theatre of Dreams" completely changed the team.

In 2020, the "Red Devils" recruited Bruno Fernandes - who was praised by experts for having a strong personality similar to Cantona, however, it seemed that Man United still lacked something.

Champion qualities follow Casemiro to Old Trafford

It was only when Casemiro reunited with Varane at Old Trafford that the duo immediately became the team's spiritual leaders from the dressing room, along with Bruno Fernandes. Their experience, bravery and leadership qualities quickly helped them make an impact on the "red half of Manchester".

From the back, the former Real Madrid star motivates his teammates around him and those in front. "The more pressure there is, the more I talk and shout on the pitch. Everything is also better connected, which is what any team needs," the 30-year-old star emphasized.

Casemiro faces Bruno Fernandes after League Cup final

Above, Brazilian midfielder Casemiro was seen "pulling the shirt" of Bruno Fernandes, questioning his teammate why he didn't pass the ball to Jadon Sancho or Wout Weghorst but missed the shot himself. That was when the final whistle blew and Man United won against Newcastle in the League Cup final.

The two sides disagreed in the match with Aston Villa.

Similar scenes were seen after Man United's win over Aston Villa in late April, with Casemiro "confronting" Fernandes and criticizing the midfielder for losing the ball late in the game.

Is Casemiro argumentative and provocative, a far cry from the calm and collected nature of his Real Madrid days? No, Casemiro could not have enjoyed a glittering career with Real Madrid and Brazil without demanding the highest standards, and he demands them of his captain and team leader.

"We can spend all day talking about how good Bruno is but to be honest, I expect a lot from Bruno because he is one of the most important players in the team. So when he misses a chance, we always want everything to be perfect.

"It's just normal conversations, I always demand a lot from Bruno and he demands the same from me. We never argue because we have a very good relationship. Bruno always helps me with the language, teaches me a lot about the club and it's a pleasure to play with him, my motivation and the team's motivation," Casemiro shared.

Casemiro and Varane are the driving force for Man United

Knowing his time at Real Madrid was over, Casemiro took on a new challenge at Man United and is enjoying his form as if he were just 20.

Adapting to English football has never been easy. 2 red cards, 13 yellow cards, Casemiro has been suspended for 8 matches this season and in the total of 10 Premier League matches he has missed, Man United have lost 4!

A combative defensive midfielder, Casemiro's seven goals - including the opener against Newcastle in the League Cup final and a curling effort against Bournemouth two weeks ago - speak for themselves.

Casemiro scores against Bournemouth

United lost 6-3 in the derby in October but City lost 2-1 when they met again at Old Trafford. City are chasing a treble but Casemiro claims he is "not used to losing" as the two sides meet in the first all-Manchester FA Cup final.

Of the 17 finals Casemiro has played for Real Madrid and Man United, he has won 16, excluding the defeat to Atletico Madrid in the 2018 European Super Cup.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/the-thao/hai-nha-vo-dich-chau-au-tiep-lua-cho-man-united-o-chung-ket-fa-cup-20230603082508008.htm