Ashley Young: “It Was Fantastic” — Casemiro Praised After Masterclass in Man United’s Dramatic Fulham Win

Casemiro’s resurgence continued in Manchester United’s dramatic 3–2 Premier League victory over Fulham, with Ashley Young singling out the Brazilian midfielder for special praise after another influential display at Old Trafford.

United made it three wins from three under Michael Carrick on Sunday afternoon, but they were pushed all the way by a Fulham side that refused to go quietly. In a match packed with momentum swings, fine goals and late drama, Casemiro once again stood out as a central figure, combining steel, intelligence and moments of real quality.

United start brightly as Casemiro sets the tone

Manchester United began the contest with real intent, clearly keen to seize early control. Amad Diallo tested Fulham goalkeeper Senne Lammens inside the opening minutes, while Harry Maguire also went close as the hosts dominated territory and possession.

Fulham, however, showed they were not simply there to make up the numbers. Lammens produced a sharp save at one end, while United were reminded of the visitors’ threat when they were forced into last-ditch defending at the other.

The breakthrough arrived just before the 20-minute mark and came from a familiar source. Bruno Fernandes whipped in a teasing delivery from a free-kick on the right, and Casemiro timed his run perfectly to rise at the back post and power a header into the net. It was a goal that summed up the midfielder’s renewed confidence and sharpness, as well as United’s growing belief under Carrick.

The goal gave United control heading into the interval, with the hosts leading 1–0 at half-time and looking comfortable.

Second-half drama unfolds at Old Trafford

Fulham emerged after the break with greater urgency, and the game soon opened up. United doubled their advantage when Matheus Cunha finished off a flowing move, latching onto a brilliant piece of vision from Casemiro. The Brazilian produced a sublime no-look pass to split the Fulham defence, allowing Cunha to smash the ball into the roof of the net.

It was a moment of real class and creativity, and one that highlighted how Casemiro’s game has evolved this season. No longer just the shield in front of the defence, he is increasingly influencing matches in the final third.

Fulham refused to fold. Raúl Jiménez pulled a goal back from the penalty spot after winning the spot-kick himself, giving the visitors renewed hope. As the clock ticked down, United looked on course to see the game out, but deep into stoppage time Kevin produced a stunning strike to make it 2–2, silencing Old Trafford and threatening to derail Carrick’s perfect start.

Just when it appeared the points would be shared, substitute Benjamin Šeško delivered the decisive blow. The forward showed great composure to find the net late on, restoring United’s lead and sealing a memorable 3–2 victory that kept them firmly in the Premier League’s top four.

Ashley Young hails Casemiro’s quality

While Šeško grabbed the headlines with his late winner, much of the post-match discussion focused on Casemiro’s performance. The 33-year-old not only scored his fifth league goal of the season – his highest tally since arriving from Real Madrid – but also produced one of the assists of the campaign.

Former United defender Ashley Young was quick to praise the Brazilian, particularly for the pass that set up Cunha’s goal.

“Yeah, it was fantastic,” Young said after the match. “We’ve been talking about Casemiro’s pass, the no-look pass.”

Asked whether he expected that level of creativity from the midfielder, Young added: “I didn’t, but he’s got Brazilian flair, so he has definitely got it in his locker. The way he’s playing with confidence, when you play passes like that and it comes off, it’s fantastic. And the finish was unbelievable.”

Young’s comments reflect a wider shift in perception around Casemiro, who struggled for consistency last season but now looks revitalised under Carrick’s management.

Carrick’s system bringing the best out of United’s midfield

A key factor in Casemiro’s revival has been his partnership with young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo. The balance between experience and energy has allowed United to control games more effectively, while also freeing up players further forward.

Bruno Fernandes, in particular, appears to be thriving. Under previous tactical setups, he was often asked to operate deeper in midfield, which limited his influence in the final third. Under Carrick, Fernandes has been restored to a more advanced role, and the results have been immediate.

The United captain has already registered five assists in four matches under the new regime, including two against Fulham. He now has 12 assists for the season, putting him firmly on course to challenge the Premier League record of 20 assists, set by Thierry Henry in the 2002/03 campaign.

Despite not recording his first assist until mid-October, Fernandes is now averaging 0.57 assists per game. If he maintains that rate, he could finish the season with 22 assists, a remarkable achievement and a testament to Carrick’s tactical adjustments.

A promising sign for United’s season

For Manchester United, this win was about more than just three points. It was another demonstration of resilience, attacking quality and belief, even when momentum briefly swung against them.

Casemiro’s form, praised by Ashley Young and backed up by goals and assists, symbolises United’s wider improvement. If the Brazilian continues at this level, and Fernandes maintains his creative output, United have every reason to be optimistic about the months ahead.

Under Michael Carrick, confidence is growing, performances are improving, and results are following. Sunday’s dramatic win over Fulham may yet be remembered as another important step in United’s resurgence.