Gary Neville names the player who has been the difference in Man United securing top-four finish

Gary Neville has hailed Casemiro as the difference-maker in Manchester United's Champions League push after another outstanding performance from the Brazilian in the 4-1 win at home to Chelsea.

United were far from their best at Old Trafford on Thursday evening but took advantage of a drab Chelsea side to secure a top-four finish. Casemiro opened the scoring with a superb header inside six minutes before a brilliant piece of skill opened up play for Anthony Martial in first-half injury time.

The 31-year-old picked up the ball just outside Chelsea's box and clipped a beautiful no-look pass through to Jadon Sancho, who squared for Martial to tap in. Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford rounded off the scoring after the break, but it was Casemiro who continued to assert himself in midfield.

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It's been a brilliant debut season at United since joining from Real Madrid last summer, and former Reds captain Neville believes the midfielder has been the deciding factor in securing Champions League football next season.

"The Player of the Match is Manchester United’s Casemiro," Neville told Sky Sports, towards the end of the game. "All over the place there in the game, a goal, an assist - he’s just so important to them. Without that signing Manchester United wouldn’t be in the Champions League. Huge difference."

And as celebrations began at full-time, he added: "[Casemiro] has been outstanding for the club this season. He’s been the difference in terms of bringing that experience to the group, leadership qualities on the pitch, a real connection with the fans. There’s not massive celebrations here but I feel from points they were at in the season it’s a job well done."

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