Manchester United won the hard way against Fulham. The Red Devils went two goals up early in the second half, but allowed Fulham back into the game, and conceded two goals for Fulham to level up the score in stoppage time. It took a late goal from substitute Benjamin Sesko to ensure United left with all three points.
United were in control for a large majority of the match, and United looked good for the win at the hour mark. It was only in the 75th minute, when United midfielder Casemiro was substituted off, that the game began to turn in Fulham's favour.
Casemiro's man of the match performance proved his worth to Michael Carrick
Casemiro was the best player on the pitch against Fulham. The Brazilian ran the show from the midfield, dictating the tempo and constantly winning the ball back. His contribution from set-pieces was clearly displayed by the first goal, rising at the back post to header home Bruno's free-kick
Casemiro's line-breaking pass also led to United's second goal, with Matheus Cunha smashing home from a tight angle. Casemiro took the largest applause of the day when he was substituted; his popularity in the Stretford End is obvious.
United immediately looked less assured once Casemiro left the field. His replacement Manuel Ugarte failed to exert the same level of composure and control. United look more open, and Fulham made them pay: once with a penalty converted by Raul Jimenez, and a second time when winger Kevin scored a fantastic curling effort.
At Fulham's equalizer, the camera cuts to Casemiro on the bench, who's head drops between his arms as he watches all his hard work undone in the space of 10 minutes. After United's late winner, the camera cuts again to Casemiro, who leaps into the arms of interim head coach Michael Carrick. It's clear how much the club means to him.
His passion is clearly only exarcerbated by his impending exit: Caemiro has agreed to part ways with the club after his contract expires at the end of the year. Casemiro's enormous wage is clearly the deciding factor here, as the Brazilian earns nearly £350,000 a week at the club, higher than any other player. Even with his contribution to the side, he's not worth that.
But Casemiro can clearly still contribute to the side. He has been one of United's finest players this year, and has clearly benefitted from United's greatly reduced fixture congestion due to the lack of European football.
Attempting to retain Casemiro on a reduced contract seemed like the best option. While it might be that Casemiro has already refused an extension, its a terrible shame for both sides that Casemiro has already announced, very publicly, that he is leaving. Casemiro can still be an asset to this team, but no matter how good he is for the rest of the season, the die is already cast.
Casemiro will depart United at the end of the season. It will be interesting to see his next destination. The midfielder has proved that he's still capable at the highest level, and other clubs may yet take a chance on him given his form. He may well be out to prove United wrong come next season, and show the world that he's still got it.