Casemiro has revealed that one of his Manchester United teammates played with an injury during the Red Devils’ hard-fought FA Cup win over Coventry City on Sunday.
Manchester United will return to Wembley next month after punching their ticket to the FA Cup final with a penalty shootout win over Coventry City in the semi-finals.
Mark Robins’ Coventry side rallied back late in the second half and plugged a 3-0 deficit to send the thrilling FA Cup tie to extra time at Wembley.
United somehow managed to weather the storm of extra time – avoiding a late defeat thanks to VAR’s intervention – and came out on top thanks to penalties.
Casemiro, who played in defence for United in the FA Cup tie, stepped up first for the shootout and failed to convert from the spot-kick for the Red Devils.
However, Diogo Dalot, Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund all converted their penalties to ensure United defeated Coventry 4-2 on penalties.
Callum O’Hare, meanwhile, saw his spot-kick effort superbly denied by United No 1 Andre Onana before Ben Sheaf skied his penalty for Coventry in the shootout.
Casemiro on Man Utd star’s injury
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was forced to turn to Casemiro as a makeshift centre-back for the Coventry City clash due to an injury crisis in his squad.
Harry Maguire was the only senior United centre-back available for Ten Hag, who was missing Willy Kambwala, Victor Lindelof, Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.
Casemiro, who has been criticised this season over his waning midfield influence, did impress fans with his first-half performance in defence against Coventry.
The 32-year-old Brazilian midfielder took his place in defence alongside Harry Maguire, who largely impressed with his overall performance in the FA Cup tie.
Speaking after the match, Casemiro praised United teammate Maguire after revealing the former club captain was playing the match while carrying an injury.
“Today, I played as a defender,” he told TNT Sports, as per the Metro.
“We have six defenders. H [Harry Maguire] was injured.
“He played injured this game. Since the beginning [of the game], he was injured. He played injured in the last match.
“I played as a central defender. I don’t know how many injuries we have from different players.
“I think it can never be an excuse for such a big team with so many players. But it ends up hurting.”
Casemiro on Man Utd vs Coventry City
Ten Hag could still end the season on a high note if the Dutchman can capture the FA Cup trophy against United’s crosstown rivals.
The United boss came within touching distance of the FA Cup last season, but the Red Devils were ultimately beaten 2-1 by City at Wembley in 2023.
Casemiro insisted that United “lost control” of the match against Coventry after the Red Devils capitulated in regular playing time while leading the contest 3-0.
“It’s hard to explain. It’s a bit like our team this season,” he said.
“Very high and low in the same game. I’d say 70, 75 minutes, it was a calm game, a controlled game.
“Then a team in panic. I think it’s always the team. It’s not one or two players, a team panic.
“We lost control of the game. It’s very hard to have these highs and lows.’
