Mizgan Masani
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag reveals the reason behind him signing Casemiro
As quoted by Express, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag reveals what convinced him to sign Brazil midfielder Casemiro late in the summer window.
In the last part of the summer transfer window, United signed Casemiro from Real Madrid for a fee of around £70m. The five-time Champions League took some time to settle down at Old Trafford but has been arguably the signing of the season once he started playing regularly.
The 31-year-old is probably one of the reasons why ten Hag’s men have looked solid in midfield and there is leadership in that department.
Here’s what ten Hag said when asked what convinced him to sign the Brazilian stalwart (h/t Express):
“I knew what a magnificent player Casemiro was – just look at his profile and all the cups he’s won, that’s not a coincidence. For me it’s always the same, you have players who win and who always win, and players who lose and are always losing.
“You have to do your research and find the type who will win and who are cooperative in the dressing room, who are humble, but when they are on the pitch they take responsibility. I can sit on the bench and be composed because I know the players will do the job and will deal with the situation and bring you the wins.”
Until last season, one thing was clear United had to spend big to improve the midfield department. They were constantly chasing the signature of Frenkie de Jong, which never materialised. Even though the Casemiro signing, at the time, looked like a backup solution to de Jong, it has worked out perfectly well.
The former Madrid star was key in the team winning the Carabao Cup Final last week. He scored the first goal and held the midfield and defence together.
Big games keep on coming though – this time a crunch Premier League fixture against Liverpool away at Anfield. The leadership and quality of Casemiro would be required in games like this where not everything will go in their favour.
The 31-year-old has experience playing in hostile conditions before, so this won’t be anything different for him. It would be interesting to see how he leads the team in midfield and carry others to stay calm amidst the chaos.
More Manchester United News:
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He and Marcus Rashford will be key if United are to get three points at Anfield and restore the hope of lifting the title this season.
