Casemiro scores brilliant long range effort for Manchester United vs Reading

Casemiro grabbed two goals as Manchester United took the lead in the second half of their FA Cup fourth round against Reading, including a long range effort.

Last weekend, Casemiro's absence was really felt by United as Erik ten Hag's side failed with their chance to put down a marker as a Premier League title contender, as they lost to Arsenal.

The Brazilian midfielder, who has shone since moving to Old Trafford from Real Madrid last summer, frustratingly picked up a yellow card against Crystal Palace days before and was suspended.

That robbed fans of a showdown with Thomas Partey, as fans argued over which player was the 'best defensive midfielder in the world,' which Casemiro might have found a touch insulting considering he's won five Champions League titles.

The former Real star returned to the starting line up as United continued their attempts to end a six year trophy drought, in the Carabao Cup semi final first leg in midweek.

Then on Saturday evening, the 30-year-old retained his place as Ten Hag started an extremely strong side against Championship Reading in the FA Cup.

Casemiro opened the scoring in the second half, after a brilliant ball from Antony, and just four minutes later he doubled the lead.

Once again it was a countryman who set him up, this time substitute Fred, who passed him the ball and watched Casemiro whip the ball home from long range.

"It's a cup corker from Casemiro!" 🤩

The Brazilian scores a second as Man Utd extend their lead against Reading@ManUtd | @EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/mF3RrsNh65

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) January 28, 2023

After a relatively dull first half, in which United dominated but couldn't find a way through other than a Marcus Rashford disallowed goal, the floodgates soon opened.

Andy Carroll was rightly sent off for a second yellow card in the 65th minute, and it didn't take long for the hosts to take full advantage.

It really was samba football, as the often maligned Fred added his name to the scoresheet with a real bit of South American flair.

A short corner found its way to Bruno Fernandes, who played a low cross into the box and Fred played a beautiful back-heel flick into the back of the net.

10 man Reading actually hit back themselves, just six minutes later, with Amadou Salif Mbengue heading home from a Tom Ince corner.

However, it was Casemiro who had showed the real difference in class, especially with his superb second goal.