Charlton manager Dean Holden makes Steven Gerrard comparison with Man Utd star after Carabao Cup tie

Dean Holden has compared Casemiro’s passing range with that of Steven Gerrard, following Manchester United’s Carabao Cup victory over Charlton Athletic on Tuesday.

The Red Devils won 3-0 at Old Trafford thanks to goals from Antony and Marcus Rashford, and progressed to the semi-finals of the competition, but it was a somewhat nervy finish to the game with United leading by just one goal until the 89th minute. Rashford’s brace in the latter stages put paid to any hopes of a late comeback, with Casemiro playing superb passes in the build-up to both goals. Speaking after the game, Holden, a lifelong United fan from Salford, said he was pleased with his side’s showing at Old Trafford.

“I have pride in the performance and the way we have shown ourselves as a football club on and off the pitch,” claimed the Charlton manager. “We rode our luck in the first 20 minutes, but which team doesn’t have to do that in the Premier League? We grew into the game.

“We come out second half full of belief. We were the better team, I think it’s fair to say for 15 minutes. We’ve had [Scott] Fraser’s chance, he puts over the bar and I turned around and Erik ten Hag is bringing on Casemiro, [Christian] Eriksen and Rashford and obviously for a reason because he could see that we had a bit of control at that point.

“The goals, Antony scored a world-class finish [for] the first one, but we’ve got to show him on the outside, on his right foot,” he added. “You can only stand in admiration for Casemiro’s pass for the second goal. He zipped it, like watching Steven Gerrard. Top, top class – that’s the level. Rashford does what Rashford does at the end.”

As a lifelong United supporter, Holden admitted it was a ‘special moment’ to manage at Old Trafford and also spoke of his respect for Erik ten Hag after the game. “It was pretty magical, I am not going to say anything else,” he said.

“It was a special experience. I have stood and sat in every corner of this stadium over the years but never once did I think I would stand in the technical area. My dad is next door, 70 years old, been coming here for 60-odd years… wow. For him to see his son coming out is a pretty special moment.

“Erik invited me in after the game and was talking about some of the quality that our players showed,” Holden added. “That gives me pride. I have so much respect for Erik. I have been watching from afar. I hope United win it. I want to take my kids to another cup final.”