Manchester United's manager Erik Ten Hag has stated that he isn't surprised by Casemiro's attributes on the pitch and his influence in the team's dressing room. The 31-year-old former Real Madrid midfielder has transformed the Red Devils' playing style as his presence on the pitch gives them confidence to play their attacking football.
Casemiro's signing was subjected to harsh criticism as several pundits claimed he was already finished, Rio Ferdinand stated he wasn't worth £60 million, and another Premier League legend tagged his signing a calamity. But the 31-year-old has gone on to make them eat back their words and throw their criticisms back in their faces with his weekly performances on the pitch.
Erik Ten Hag brought the 31-year-old to Old Trafford in the summer of 2022 from Real Madrid for £60 million, and the Brazilian has gone on to become an integral part of the Dutchman's project at Old Trafford.
He was asked during his press conference if he was surprised by Casemiro's attributes and the progress he has made with the team since he completed his move from Spain's capital.
"No, from these attributes, absolutely not," Erik Ten Hag replied.
"I knew what a magnificent player he was. Just look through his profile. You see all the cups he won, and that's not a coincidence. Like Raphael Varane and Casemiro, they won five Champions Leagues. "That's not a coincidence; it's not like all of a sudden."
"For me, it's always the same." "You have players who win and win always, and players who lose and always lose."
"Of course, you have to do your research and find that type who will win and who are cooperative in the dressing room to be humble, but when they are on the pitch, they take responsibility, and you can sit on the bench and be composed because you know the players will do the job and will deal with the situation and will bring you the wins," he explained.
Casemiro showed his passionate side at full time at Wembley Stadium after Man United recorded a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United to lift the Carabao Cup trophy. The Brazilian was spotted having a word with his teammate Bruno Fernandes, who earlier wasted Man United's chance to extend their lead in the match to 3-0; the Portugal international went at goal by himself despite Jadon Sancho being in a better position to score. Casemiro wasn't so impressed with his teammate and had to notify him of his mistake.
Erik Ten Hag was quizzed about whether that's a typical instance of the "keeping the standards high" mentality he always wanted to see.
"Yeah, I think it shows we are winning a trophy; we are happy, but the players have the attitude that good is not good enough," he replied.
"It was 2-0, so we could have won 3-0 if we made better decisions." And I think it's about that, and it's good that players take each other's responsibilities seriously, set high standards, and make high demands of each other. "So then sometimes you need a correction or you need a discussion so that player is aware of his responsibilities."
Erik Ten Hag as well affirmed that he had a player of Casemiro's caliber while he was still manager at FC Ajax, and it was among the reasons why the club signed the Brazilian international from La Liga giants Real Madrid.
"I had a player in Ajax who set such standards, but definitely Casemiro in this team; he is such a leader and he is so important for us." not only with his performances and skills, like scoring a goal or his header, or like linking up or intercepting balls. organization, the mentality, and the culture, and we are so happy that we signed him."
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