Manchester United head into the 2024/25 Europa League final in Bilbao tonight as the marginal favourites to lift the trophy.
Tottenham Hotspur will undoubtedly present a formidable challenge given that they have won each of their previous three meetings with United this season.
However, the Red Devils have an unlikely talisman in their ranks who may ultimately be the difference between success and failure in Spain.
Casemiro is one of the top defensive midfielders of his generation. When it comes to winning major silverware, he knows what it takes.
Aside from a 4-2 extra-time defeat by Atletico Madrid in the 2018 Super Cup, the former Real Madrid star has never lost a European final.
While United have not had the best version of Casemiro as he heads towards the twilight of his career, he has played a key role in their run to the final.
Manager Ruben Amorim deserves credit for recognising what Casemiro offers and for tweaking his tactical system to accommodate him.
The Brazilian played a role in each of United’s last three goals in the 5-4 quarter-final second-leg victory over Lyon, including the cross for Harry Maguire’s winner.
He subsequently scored in their semi-final second-leg win over Athletic Club and could be the catalyst for United to grab the trophy tonight.
Casemiro’s track record of success in major finals cannot be understated – in simple terms, he is a serial winner.
If he plays well, United will beat Tottenham. If he doesn’t, the trophy will likely end up in London.
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What to watch
Plenty is riding on the Europa League final tonight. As unmissable games go, this is right up there.
