Man Utd analysis: Casemiro makes his mark again

A couple of years ago, Casemiro's move to United seemed to be adding a sad postscript to a stellar career for a man who has won five Champions League trophies.

Not any more.

When the veteran Brazilian's number 18 went up to signal his exit as the game entered stoppage time, Old Trafford stood to applaud.

Before that, the Stretford End had bellowed "'one more year", demanding an extension to a contract that will expire on 30 June and which it has already been decided - and announced - will not be renewed.

After he leaped highest at the near post to turn home Fernandes' corner, Casemiro seemed to spend an age pointing to the crest on his shirt, and then to the fans saluting him, as if to say he is one of them.

It was his sixth headed goal of this league campaign. No-one else has scored more than four.

That alone would give United's recruitment specialists a concern about how to replace him.

But the 34-year-old offers so much more with his defensive nous.

As Villa were pressing for a second equaliser, he diffused danger by striding across United's box, calmly winning the ball and then working it out to a team-mate in space.

That moment may not come up in any statistical analysis. But in terms of United securing this victory, it was priceless.

"One more year," the home fans sang again as Casemiro made his way down the tunnel. It is easy to understand why they want it to happen.