Casemiro a leading light for Manchester United

In attack, but especially in defence, Casemiro was everywhere for Manchester United against Bournemouth on Tuesday. Protecting Victor Lindelöf and Harry Maguire in the heart of the United defence, he also had the power and energy to join in in attack. The Brazilian can do it all, pressing, winning possession back, and he opened the scoring at Old Trafford in the 23rd minute.

Christian Eriksen swung in a free-kick and by the time two opposing defenders tried to do anything about it - Casemiro was already on the end of it - arriving at the near post and finishing with a first-time finish. It was his second goal since arriving at Old Trafford at the end of the summer transfer window. The 30-year-old has become one of the pillars on which Erik ten Hag is building a new Manchester United.

Whenever United have scored first, they have won. No team has been able to turn the game around when United have taken the lead. They are a side playing with confidence and belief. Ten Hag has instilled a hunger that was previously absent. Casemiro knows all about winning and has helped create a winning mentality in the squad. He also allows the forward players to do their thing. Against Burnley, he played at centre-back. His defensive abilities were never in doubt - but perhaps his technique was - something he solves by finding someone in a better position early on, initiating attacks.

Manchester United are moving in the right direction and are giving the Old Trafford faithful a boost. Only one point separates them from Manchester City, although Pep Guardiola’s side have played one game less. United’s next opponents are City in the Manchester derby and Arsenal, who are top of the league.

United beat the Gunners and lost to City in two games in which Casemiro did not start. Fully established and in great form, the Brazilian is now one of the first names on Ten Hag’s teamsheet. They are counting on him to continue to solidify a project whose foundations seem more stable than those devised by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick. The train is heading in the right direction and Casemiro is one of the drivers.