Manchester United midfielder Casemiro was humiliated by Liverpool youngster Fabio Carvalho , as he continued his stunning form in preseason .
Carvalho opened the scoring for Liverpool inside 10 minutes with a neat finish into the bottom-right corner, beating United goalkeeper Andre Onana with ease. Diogo Jota found Carvalho in a congested penalty area but the 21-year-old turned past Casemiro to create space, leaving the United veteran on the deck.
Casemiro is still only 32 and regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders of his generation, but struggled for United last season leading to concerns he is well beyond his peak. Fans were also ruthless when seeing the goal on social media, pointing out Casemiro's error.
"Carvalho just cooked Casemiro wow," one fan wrote on X. "Leave the football before the football leaves you," another added, hinting that the Brazilian should retire after enjoying a decorated career with Real Madrid before joining United.
EXCLUSIVE: Fabio Carvalho rekindles bond 'like the old days' under new Arne Slot regime
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It's been a positive preseason for Liverpool, who are adapting to the methods of a new head coach for the first time in nine years. Jurgen Klopp's departure shocked some fans, but Liverpool selected Arne Slot as his replacement.
Slot has yet to make a signing in the summer transfer window and Liverpool are the only Premier League team to not engage in a transaction, but it's believed that the head coach is assessing the squad before making future moves. Carvalho, who spent last season on loan, is likely in Slot's plans moving forward after a breakthrough preseason.
The 21-year-old scored the winning goal against Arsenal on Wednesday and has now doubled his return with an impressive finish against United. Carvalho told Liverpool.com on Wednesday that he expects to be part of Slot's squad next season, and his performance on Saturday may secure his position.
"That's the target, to stay here," Carvalho said. "I'm just having fun and enjoying the time I'm here and I'm learning a lot of new things." Carvalho joined Liverpool from Fulham in 2022 and made 13 Premier League appearances in his first season under Klopp.
Carvalho was loaned out to RB Leipzig and Hull City last season, and on his return to Liverpool, there was a new head coach in place as Slot had been hired. Carvalho admitted that training has been very different under Slot, but he's been enjoying it.
"It's good! Some of the principles are still the same but obviously, he wants us to play a certain type of football that is a bit different to what we've been used to," Carvalho said. "We're adapting every day, just taking on board what he says which is great. We're having fun but working hard."
It's unlikely that Carvalho will start under Slot, with several senior first-team players yet to return from an extended summer break. However, he's shown in preseason he deserves to be under consideration and could be a positive offensive option off the bench.
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