Casemiro is staging a resurgence at Manchester United that no one expected, having looked destined for the exit door after a bit-part role at the start of Ruben Amorim's reign. Injuries to Manuel Ugarte, Toby Collyer, Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount called on his services, and the 33-year-old is delivering at the heart of the midfield.

Casemiro has started United's last three games, making positive impacts against Arsenal and Real Sociedad twice after an encouraging substitute appearance in the FA Cup defeat to Fulham. He now appears like a crucial cog in Amorim's side as the Red Devils lock in on their one goal at the end of the season: winning the Europa League to seal Champions League qualification.

Casemiro's desire to beat a familiar foe from his La Liga days became clear when he couldn't bear to watch either of Bruno Fernandes' two penalties on each side of half-time.

But the Real Madrid icon also visibly demanded high standards from his team-mates while he was laser-focused on potentially ending his United career with a flourish in Bilbao on May 21.

One moment saw Casemiro laying an almighty death stare on Diogo Dalot after the right-back lost out in a duel to Ander Barrenetxea in a dangerous position.

The United No. 18 recovered for him, sliding to the rescue to cannon the ball out for a corner as Barrenetxea entered the box.

And Dalot couldn't help but laugh after Casemiro was glued to the spot while staring into his soul until the pair exchanged a high five and prepared to defend the corner.

However, it was no laughing matter for Casemiro. While his return to form is a welcome boost for Amorim, his winning experience is priceless at such a turbulent time.

He might not be eyeing a perfect farewell in the Europa League final. The Brazilian has made it clear that he isn't in a rush to leave.

"It's too soon to talk about next season, but of course, I have another year of contract and then an option," Casemiro said earlier in March.

"We have important games, and on Sunday we have Arsenal.

"I'm here, I'm available, with total happiness, and I'm ready for the coach and the club. As everyone knows, I'm a big character for the club.

"Of course, I want to play, but I always say, and these are my values, I respect the coach a lot, I respect the club.

"Every day I go to Carrington or Old Trafford I try to do my best. If a player is on the bench and is happy, that player is not worth anything for any team.

"Of course I want to play. I want to have more minutes, but the coach is the one who makes the decisions, and I have a lot of respect for him and for the club."