Casemiro makes typically combative return to international action for Brazil | OneFootball

Manchester United had three players involved in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers.

Casemiro made his return to the Brazil national team after his former boss at Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti, was named manager. He was captain at the 2022 World Cup but has not been involved in the national team set-up for about a year.

The 33 year old started in the centre of the park and put in an impressive shift in his side’s 0-0 draw against Ecuador.

He played the entire 90 minutes, completing 72% of his passing attempts.

Casemiro was also an attacking threat, having one shot on target and one off as his side failed to break down a stubborn Ecuador side in Guayaquil.

As usual though, his most impressive work came in the middle of the park as he won six out of nine ground duels.

He also impressively won all four of his aerial battles, dominating the middle of the park like he had never been away.

The midfield enforcer was also heavily involved defensively, making six clearances and a total of five tackles.

Commenting in a post-match interview, Casemiro lamented the state of the pitch in Ecuador.

He claimed, “I think the pitch didn’t really help the match. I always say you can’t have excuses but the pitch, the field, didn’t help a lot.”

United also had new signing Matheus Cunha on the bench and he played the final 26 minutes.

Unfortunately, he failed to have much of an impact on the game, as he could only complete seven passes and failed in his only dribble attempt.

Cunha was also unable to get off any shots on goal in the stalemate.

United’s loan star at Real Betis, Antony, was named on the bench but he did not manage to get any minutes of action.

Brazil will next be in action on Tuesday evening (Wednesday morning UK time) when they face Paraguay at home.

Manuel Ugarte also started for Uruguay in their 0-2 defeat to Paraguay.

He played the entire 90 minutes of action and made 79% of his passes.

Ugarte impressively connected with all six of his long range passes as he tried to propel his team forward. He won 100% of his aerials duels and was typically combative in the middle of the park, winning eight ground duels.

Ugarte as usual, was highly involved in the defensive dirty work, making five clearances and four tackles.

He will hope his side can bounce back from defeat when they host Venezuela on Tuesday evening (Wednesday morning UK time).

Featured image Franklin Jacome via Getty Images

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