Erik ten Hag feels Casemiro is back to his best for Manchester United vs Aston Villa
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag felt Casemiro was back to his best and was delighted with the midfielder’s performance in the 1-0 win over Aston Villa.
The Red Devils welcomed the Lions home on Sunday (30 April) in the Premier League. For most of the match, the Old Trafford side dominated the proceedings and got the victory through a first-half Bruno Fernandes goal.
Speaking to the media via Manchester Evening News, Ten Hag praised the Brazil international’s display. The gaffer hailed the 31-year-old’s traits as United held on to their lead.
“On Sunday it was Casemiro we’ve seen all season, he brings so much organisation, composure, determination and his leadership is so important, others go with him. We saw a determined and passionate team in the second half.”
Casemiro signed for the Red Devils in the summer of 2022 from Real Madrid. Initially, the former Ajax head coach had decided to integrate the midfielder into the starting lineup slowly.
However, the Brazilian quickly established himself as a pivotal player and has been key to Ten Hag’s plans at the Manchester-based club over the course of the campaign.
But the 31-year-old’s form has dipped a bit in the last few weeks. The two direct red card suspensions he has received in previous months have not helped either.
But against Villa, United were defensively sound and Casemiro had a big part to play in it. The midfielder started the match and played the full 90 minutes.
Just before the break, Fernandes gave the Old Trafford side the lead. In the second half, Unai Emery’s team hardly threatened our goal. Although, Victor Lindelof did have to make a goal-line clearance with around 10 minutes to go in the match.
More Manchester United News
- Erik ten Hag admits new striker a priority for Manchester United next summer
- Manchester United decide to trigger Victor Lindelof contract extension
- United forward Jadon Sancho ‘desperate’ for Borussia Dortmund return
The Brazilian has been an inspiring addition to the team. He has made 44 appearances in all competitions for us, scoring five goals and providing six assists. Hopefully, the 31-year-old will keep up his form with a few games left before the end of the campaign.