The race for the Champions League places is white hot and Manchester United look as likely as Chelsea or Liverpool to finish in the top four. I wrote last week about Michael Carrick allowing his players to express themselves and ensuring they were not stifled by systems or dragged down by dogmatic tactics. There is no better example than the rebirth of Casemiro and I freely admit I did not think that would happen. Towering headers aside, his 'no look' pass for Matheus Cunha's goal was sport masquerading as art. Sign up to read more from Pat Nevin in his Football Extra newsletter

Source: Express February 04, 2026 10:28 UTC