Prior to Manchester United's away match against West Ham, West Ham United player Lucas Paqueta spoke passionately about Manchester United midfielder and his countryman Casemiro.
Casemiro is well-liked in the football community for both his personality and his skills, it goes without saying.
Manchester United's performance has changed as a result of the Brazilian's presence at the base of the midfield. In 20 games this season, his trio of Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes, and both have gone undefeated (16 victories, 4 draws).
Citing Casemiro as an “example to follow as a player and a professional”, Paqueta said he has learned a lot from him and that Casemiro is a “great person”.
“Casemiro is a great player and a friend, and I’m looking forward to playing against him on Sunday," he told West Ham official website.
"He’s an example to follow as a person and a professional. He does so much to improve as a player when he’s not at the training ground – the way he recovers – I have seen it when I’m with the national team. He has all his routines that he does at home. I have learnt a lot from him. He’s a great person and obviously a great player too.”
Casemiro has demonstrated this season that he has a wide range of passing options, and manager Erik ten Hag has praised his ability to stop opposing advances. In his absence, the squad consistently displays the appearance of having a weak spot and being open to counterattacks.
Additionally, he has demonstrated his ability to play huge games by making significant contributions at vital times. Whether it was the opening goal in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle or the extraordinarily late equalizer at Stamford Bridge, Casemiro has quickly developed a cult following among United supporters.
When United visits West Ham, he most likely to face Lucas Paqueta of the national squad directly. Paqueta prefers to play the No. 10 position, which will bring him face-to-face with Casemiro. Similar to Casemiro, Paqueta had a sluggish start to the season. However, just as West Ham began to gel, Paqueta too found his form.
Undoubtedly an entertaining match to witness, Paqueta vs. Casemiro may decide the outcome of the game.
The 31 year old former Real Madrid ace has been included in the Premier League team of the year for the 2022/2023 campaign alongside Marcus Rashford; amid rumors within the media stating Thomas Tuchel wants him at Bayern Munich.
Because he believes in Erik ten Hag's plan for Manchester United at Old Trafford, Casemiro, according to Louis Saha, will not consider leaving the club this summer.
The midfielder, who is one of the contenders for player of the year at the club, has been crucial to United's success this season. The summer signing has already established himself as a cult figure among Reds fans thanks to his ardent instruction and revelry.
With five goals and six assists in 44 games, Casemiro has been just as strong offensively as he has been defensively. The Brazilian's deal at Old Trafford runs through 2026, with a one-year extension option.
Given his recent arrival, there haven't been many hints of a summer move away. Some people briefly considered the possibility that Bayern Munich may try to wrest him away from Ten Hag.
Saha asserted that Casemiro is more interested in the challenge at United than in joining Bayern to challenge the team's dominance in Germany and that there is little merit to the rumors of an exit transfer.
Speaking to Betfred, Saha said: “When it comes towards the end of the season, speculation like this is usually driven by the player’s agent. Casemiro is a top player and there’s always going to be speculation regarding his future because of how good he is.
“I’m not worried about him leaving this summer and I don’t believe that Bayern Munich will provide a greater challenge for Casemiro than the challenge of taking Manchester United back to the top.
“His situation is great at Manchester United and he has a brilliant contract, so I’d be very surprised if he was to push for a move in the summer.”
For the Sunday trip to West Ham United, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag may be allowed to use Alejandro Garnacho.
After suffering a bad ankle injury in the 0-0 draw with Southampton in March, the talented Argentine winger, who recently signed a new deal that runs until 2028, has missed United's last 12 games.
In all competitions, Garnacho's breakout season has resulted in four goals and five assists, providing Ten Hag a full set of attacking weapons.
Prior to the trip to London Stadium, Ten Hag provided encouraging news by stating that Garnacho might be able to make the matchday squad on Sunday. It had been believed that Garnacho's ankle issue would keep him out for the balance of the 2022–23 season.
"No, I think it will be the same squad,” Ten Hag initially said, before adding: "Maybe one player [to add]: Garnacho. I have to see.
"Maybe he can be involved but we will have to see how the progress can go."
Raphael Varane and Scott McTominay will be unavailable for United's journey to the capital, while Lisandro Martinez and Donny van de Beek will be spectators for the duration of the campaign.
A win at West Ham would help United maintain its hold on fourth place in the Premier League, which will guarantee a return to the Champions League for the upcoming season.
United presently has a four-point lead over fifth-place Liverpool even though the Reds have played one fewer game, but the recent momentum was stopped by Thursday's stunning 1-0 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion thanks to a penalty from Alexis Mac Allister nine minutes into extra time.
For the Red Devils, Luke Shaw was at fault for carelessly handling the ball from a corner, derailing David de Gea's attempt to keep 16 consecutive clean sheets. However, the Spaniard is in the lead for the Premier League Golden Glove.
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