Carabao Cup final and Premier League: 10 talking points from the weekend

Graham Potter pleads for patience, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s form a worry and Pep Guardiola wary of being ‘punched’ on run-in

Mon, 27 Feb, 2023 - 10:02

Guardian

1) Casemiro shows the value of a winner Casemiro wins things.

Before arriving in Manchester he had claimed five Champions Leagues, three La Liga titles, one Copa América and 15 other trophies for club and country. He’d won 10 of the 12 major finals he’d played. Now he has a Carabao Cup. Manchester United signed a player with an intimate knowledge of that winning feeling. But would any of that experience count in a team that had forgotten what was required to get over the line? Without him they had lost three finals in five years while finishing second in the league on two occasions. How fitting that his headed goal began the win against Newcastle. But beyond this single act, his greatest contribution is the way he has lifted those around him; especially his countryman Fred, who could be the most-improved player in English football. The Erik ten Hag project has claimed its first prize. For Casemiro, it’s just another day as one of life’s winners. Daniel Gallan