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Manchester United should have easily claimed the Community Shield on Saturday against fierce cross-town rivals Manchester City but for some poor finishing and in the end, they ended up losing 7-6 on penalties after the game ended 1-1 at the end of regulation time.
The Red Devils created quite a few clear-cut chances, but failed to put them away. Marcus Rashford was guilty of spurning a couple of easy chances while Scott McTominay was also guilty of missing a sitter.
The deadlock was finally broken by Alejandro Garnacho, a second-half substitute, before they let in a late equaliser from Bernardo Silva.
While silverware unfortunately eluded the team from Old Trafford, there was plenty to be happy about from Erik ten Hag’s perspective.
EtH’s change in tactics refreshing to see
It was refreshing to see the team hold on to the ball and pass their way towards the City goal, often cutting Pep Guardiola’s team apart.
It was a far cry from last season’s chaos ball which saw the 20-time English league champions keep trying to play on the break, a tactic that did not suit their ageing stars.
At Wembley, Amad Diallo excelled on the right and proved too tricky to handle but it was Casemiro’s display that will please the manager the most.
The Brazilian often cut a forlorn figure last season as he struggled to track back and was often spotted sprawled on his back as United kept conceding from cutbacks.
The change in tactics meant the former Real Madrid star got on the ball a lot more and did not have to run back all the time. A couple of throw balls, one in particular to Amad, which the Ivorian failed to finish was a thing of beauty.
Casemiro renaissance?
With Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount providing energy around him, the defensive midfielder could afford to try and play forward balls, which he completed with elan.
His performance was reminiscent of the ones he put in during his debut season in red. Whether he can continue will be the main question.
United need another defensive midfielder but with Casemiro yet to leave, a deal for Manuel Ugarte seems unlikely to materialise. A backup like Sander Berge would not be the worst option if the 32-year-old can keep this level up.
Ten Hag cannot afford to overplay Casemiro but if he is given the right teammates alongside him, Saturday was proof that he can pull the strings as effectively as he did during his time in Spain.
INEOS now have to take the final call regarding his future. No Saudi team has come forward so far and if he can keep this level up, a backup option could yet suffice.
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