Articles by centredevils,James Buckley

Sports

Manchester United star returns to starting line up after injury and scores goal for country

Manchester United were left with many takeaways from a hard-fought 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur last weekend. The more negative ones, however, would have been the apparent injury blows to several personnel, including Benjamin Sesko, Harry Maguire and Casemiro. Earlier today, CentreDevils exclusively revealed that the medical staff and coaches made the decision to take Sesko off against Spurs rather than the player himself. It’s likely that head coach Ruben Amorim will address his status ahead of the upcoming game against Everton. Casemiro made way for Manuel Ugarte in the 72nd minute and the midfield struggled from them on in the game. Many feared it could be something worrisome, leaving a sour taste in the mouths of United fans as players dispersed for international duty. Now those concerns have been allayed. Those injury worries were put to bed today as Casemiro started in midfield for Brazil in a 2-0 victory over Senegal at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium. Following an opening goal from Estevao in the 28th minute, Casemiro himself doubled the lead only 7 minutes later with an impressive curled finish from a tight angle, following a set piece. If any doubts had persisted around the midfielder’s fitness problems going into the match, they were dispelled before the half time break. Casemiro’s fitness will come as a big boost for the Brazilian national team, who will be hoping to keep the midfield veteran fit for their upcoming 2026 World Cup campaign. Crucially, however, it also marks a huge relief for Ruben Amorim who will be hoping to keep United’s midfield options as plentiful as possible to make the most of a favourable run of games leading up to Christmas. United currently sit at 7th in the Premier League table after picking up 3 wins and 2 draws in their last 5 matches, which has been contributed to by Casemiro’s revival in form this season. Despite the Brazilian’s significant drop off in form during last season’s dismal campaign, Casemiro’s improved performances have been a significant highlight of Ruben Amorim’s tenure as United manager so far. With Amorim looking for his midfield to step up, Casemiro’s fitness and international form will come as a welcome sight.

World

England manager praises Manchester United attacker’s performance against Japan

The third international break of the 2025/26 season is in full swing. As the world of football takes another brief break from its many domestic competitions, players old and young are given their opportunities to shine on the global stage for their respective countries. After a positive run of games for Manchester United since the previous international break, players throughout the United squad will be wanting to use the opportunities of this break to prove to Ruben Amorim that they are ready to step up to the mark and contribute to this upturn in team results. Whether it’s in England or abroad, many Manchester United players will be looking to make a positive impression. One United player who turned heads for his country today is 18 year old starlet Shea Lacey. The Manchester United attacker capped off an excellent performance for England under 20s with a goal against Japan under 20s in a 1-1 draw. Speaking after the game to England Football, the England under 20s manager Ben Futcher praised Lacey. “Shea’s a top player,” Futcher said. “It’s been great to work with him. “We thought he could have an impact tonight. “He’s had a really good week – you saw the quality when he came on. “Everyone’s been impressed with him,” Futcher added. Lacey’s impressive performance will come as little surprise to those around Manchester United, as the prospect has already turned heads in the senior team earlier this season. However, Lacey’s journey has been far from easy. After suffering a muscle tear in 2023 which kept him out for much of the 2023/24 season, the Liverpool born attacker has had to work hard to return to regular football. But Lacey’s resurgence will come as a relief to those who believe in Lacey’s dazzling talents. After training with United’s senior team at the start of the season, an eye-catching international performance seems to be the next highlight of an already promising season for Shea Lacey as he continues to make a case for his inclusion in United’s senior team. It begs the question of how long Lacey’s excellent form can continue before manager Ruben Amorim looks to continue United’s long-held tradition of promoting promising academy players by rewarding Lacy with his first senior appearance for the club. CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTREDEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!