Manchester United captain Harry Maguire praises 'phenomenal player' Casemiro

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Casemiro scored twice for Manchester United in their 3-1 win over Reading in the FA Cup and earned praise from Harry Maguire

Casemiro celebrates one of his two goals for Manchester United against Reading in the FA Cup in January 2023.
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has hailed team-mate Casemiro after the midfielder scored twice in the 3-1 win over Reading in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday.

After a goalless first half at Old Trafford, Casemiro scored twice within the space of three minutes after the break to put Erik ten Hag's side in control.

Another Brazilian midfielder, Fred, added a third not long after that and Amadou Mbengue grabbed what turned out to be only a consolation for Reading.

"He's been what he's been brought in to do," Maguire told ITV Football after the game.

"He's a phenomenal player, he has been throughout his career. You don't win what he's won without being a top player.

"He's improved the team, he's improved the morale, he's improved the performance and it's great to have him."

Casemiro joined United from Real Madrid, where he won five Champions League titles, in August and has quickly become a fan favourite at Old Trafford.

Ben Hayward
Ben Hayward
Weekend editor

Ben Hayward is a European football writer and Tottenham Hotspur fan with over 15 years’ experience, he has covered games all over the world - including three World Cups, several Champions League finals, Euros, Copa America - and has spent much of that time in Spain. Ben speaks English and Spanish, currently dividing his time between Barcelona and London, covering all the big talking points of the weekend on FFT: he’s also written several list features and interviewed Guglielmo Vicario for the magazine.