Casemiro names five ‘exceptional’ Man Utd players who’ve caught his eye; reveals Ten Hag change that’s elevated his game
Casemiro revealed how Erik ten Hag has taken his game up a notch, while the Brazilian named five Man Utd teammates – including one who isn’t a regular starter – who’ve stood out during his time in England.
The midfield destroyer has been nothing short of sensational since arriving from Real Madrid. Casemiro is a force to be reckoned with at both ends of the pitch and his leadership is clearly dragging those around him up to his sky high standard.
Casemiro was a £70m (including future add-ons) signing despite being the wrong side of 30 upon joining.
The realisation that Casemiro may wind up to be a successful yet costly short-term fix has emboldened Gary Neville to brand the move “not smart or shrewd”.
However, that’s not a viewpoint shared by the vast majority of United’s fans. Given Erik ten Hag already has the EFL Cup in the cabinet – thanks in no small part to Casemiro’s opening goal on Sunday – we don’t imagine the Dutchman is all too concerned either.
In any case, Casemiro recently spoke to The United Review and confirmed he’s been given more license to attack by Ten Hag.
Casemiro has bagged five goals and six assists during the first two thirds of the campaign. Clearly, he’s taken his manager’s call on board and is making the most of his leash being loosened.
Indeed, Casemiro averaged 8.6 attacking contributions per season over his last five years at the Bernabeu. With three months of the current campaign still to go, Casemiro has already racked up 11 in England.
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Casemiro relishing “greater role in attack”
“Every team has its own way of playing,” said Casemiro. “It’s true here I have a greater role in attack.
“The style of play here is different, the build-up play, the manager, the league, the club are all different.
“Every club has their own way of playing, the most important thing is adapting quickly, that’s what I try to do.”
Ever quick to ensure his teammates share the spotlight, Casemiro then named five United players who allow him to be the player he is.
Among them was fellow Brazilian Fred who has not been a regular starter under Ten Hag.
The Dutchman’s preferred midfield pairing has seen Christian Eriksen partner Casemiro, though the Dane’s unfortunate ankle injury has given Fred a chance to shine and he’s not disappointed of late.
“I’ll say it again, it’s impossible to do it on your own,” Casemiro continued. “There’s the quality of my team-mates.
“There’s Licha [Lisandro Martinez] and [Raphael] Varane – high quality players. Christian [Eriksen] who I played alongside for a long time, another exceptional player.
“Fredinho [Fred], another excellent player, then there’s Bruno [Fernandes] who plays a bit further forward, a world-class player.”
