CASE IN POINT
Man Utd star reveals Casemiro gave him FA Cup winner’s medal despite polite protest Real Madrid legend should keep it
Ace met with abrupt reaction when trying to return medal
TYRELL MALACIA has revealed that Casemiro gave him his FA Cup winners’ medal and refused to take it back.
The Manchester United star, 25, has not played since the 2022/23 campaign after suffering a knee injury.
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Malacia was a £13million signing from Feyenoord over two years ago.
And with 39 games under his belt in his first season, the Dutch left-back looked set to become a vital member of the side.
However, his recovery from surgery saw Malacia miss the entirety of last term.
It meant he was only a spectator as Erik ten Hag masterminded United’s FA Cup final win over Manchester City.
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But Malacia still ended up with a winners’ medal after being given the one belonging to Casemiro.
United’s veteran midfielder, 32, struggled for form last season.
He was expected to start in the Wembley showdown against City.
But Casemiro was dropped to the bench at the final moment due to a mysterious “late injury issue.”
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The Brazilian then skipped United’s FA Cup party later that night, instead opting to jet off for a family holiday.
And Malacia has now revealed that Casemiro even gave up his winners’ medal on the day, insisting the defender take it despite his protests.
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Malacia told : “I wanted to be there (at the final) to support everyone.
“But the most difficult part was to be up there with the guys (for the trophy), because I wasn’t part of the team during the whole process.
“I was like, ‘I’m staying down here then I’ll see you in the dressing room’. Casemiro was like, ‘Nah you have to go up there as well’.
“And if someone with that kind of experience tells you that, you’re listening. They (the squad) said, ‘At the end of the day you’re still part of the team’.
“They know how hard I’ve been working to come back so they said you deserve it as much as we do.
“(Getting Casemiro’s medal) Like I said before, if he gives you that, you just listen!”
Man Utd ratings v Leicester
Here's how SunSport's Martin Blackburn rated the Red Devils.
ANDRE ONANA – 7
Stood tall when Ndidi went through on goal and a decent tip round the post from Ayew as Leicester tried to get back in it.
NOUSSAIR MAZROUAI – 6
Lucky to escape tackle on Buonanotte without any punishment. Supplied the cross from the left which led to United’s second goal.
MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6
Made a key second half clearance when the Foxes were trying to find their way back into the game. Fairly comfortable afternoon for home defenders.
LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7
Spent the first hour at centre half then showed his versatility by switching to left-back when Dalot was forced off.
DIOGO DALOT – 6
Did a steady job keeping the Foxes at bay but then taken off on the hour – presumably due to injury as United had to reshuffle their defence.
CASEMIRO – 7
Better from the veteran Brazilian who helped United take command of the game before getting the chance to put his feet up late on.
MANUEL UGARTE – 6
Great challenge on Soumare showed what he is all about and some signs he is finding his feet. Will be looking forward to arrival of former boss Amorim.
AMAD DIALLO – 7
Delightful backheel for Fernandes to curl home the opener and could have scored himself. The Ivorian has had a good week.
BRUNO FERNANDES – 8
Presented with a shirt to mark his 250th appearance before the game and will be getting more plaudits for his performance here. Involved in all three goals.
MARCUS RASHFORD – 5
Given the nod to start ahead of Garnacho but did not do enough to justify the faith of Van Nistelrooy. No surprise when he was replaced by the Argentine on the hour.
RASMUS HOJLUND – 5
A largely ineffective afternoon for the Danish forward before he was subbed late on. Nothing wrong with his work-rate but does he have the quality Amorim will want?
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