Erik ten Hag praised Casemiro for raising the quality of the entire Manchester United team after the Brazilian player joined in the summer.
Late in the summer transfer season, Casemiro unexpectedly moved to Old Trafford as the Red Devils switched their attention from Frenkie de Jong to Casemiro after failing to land their top target.
Following Real Madrid’s £100 million signing of Aurelien Tchouameni, the Brazilian international was permitted to leave the club. United pounced on this right away, spending £70 million to sign one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.
Ten Hag was quick to congratulate Real for choosing to sell the 30-year-old in the first place, and Casemiro has been crucial to United’s outstanding record since joining the club.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News, the Dutch boss said:
“I am happy they did! But you see also at the World Cup he is a magnificent player. My analysis before the season was we needed that 6 position and he is fulfilling that position.”
“In pre-season, we had a lot of discussions but you need the right player and we definitely have the right player. I am really happy for Manchester United, for this team to have him because he is really raising the limits for Manchester United.”
At the base of United’s midfield, Casemiro has played either by himself or with Christian Eriksen, another summer signing. The Danish player, who is also 30 years old, has also shown promise, but it is generally understood that United will soon need to revitalise their midfield.
Enzo Fernandez, who is currently the target of serious interest from Chelsea, has been the subject of discussions with Benfica. Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham and Barcelona star De Jong are also still rumoured to be linked.