Rio Ferdinand was exuberantly in his praise for the performance of Manchester United in Bilbao during the game while he was on comment, but in particular one player caught his attention.
Manchester United placed one foot in the Europa League final with a 3-0 win over Athletic Club in Bilbao, with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes both on goal against the 10-man hosts.
After a tense opening exchange, the visitors were quickly at the top, and after the opener of the Brazilian was a man after Dani Vivian was sent for an error on Rasmus Hojlund.
Captain Fantastic Fernandes converted the penalty before he added the third on his side during the break, and United held their advantage of three goals to go back to Old Trafford with one foot in the Europa League final.
However, Ferdinand was quickly praised Brazilian experienced Casemiro for his role in the night.
“I don't think Casemiro has set a foot wrong. He has been sensational tonight. He has been so disciplined, “said the former man of the Man United about TNT sports.
'People talked about removing him, his legs have gone and so on.
“But I tell you something, he came to the fore when they needed him.
“He coaches this team because of this and it is a huge moment in the season for them.”
It was not entirely the movement that many expected when Casemiro signed for United in 2022, but he showed on Thursday evening that he could still show flashes of his sparkle about what his 112nd European competition was.
Casemiro helped to control midfield for United and could be seen to instruct the people around him as the game continued.
Especially in the second half he barked orders and bossed the center of the park, led United through the game and called on all the experience he gained during his legendary spell with Real Madrid.
For Robbie Savage, a tactical tweak seemed to be the best from Casemiro.
“They tried to play by him. But he is now more confronted with the game, he knows what he is doing, “said the former Wales International.
“Instead of playing through him, where he takes a lot of touches, I think he is the right way more than not confronted than now.”
Ferdinand added: 'They don't try to play through him as a pivot point where he has his back to things and he can be pressed and lose the ball. That is not his game.
'This makes it easier for him, but they also allow large spaces around him where he would be physically exposed.
“He has that support and communication.”
United will welcome the Basque side of Old Trafford next week, but first they will visit Brentford, who beats Nottingham Forest on Thursday evening in the Premier League Champions League-Chasing Nottingham Forest.