Casemiro and Fred's continuity

One of his existing pals at the club is Fred, with the pair used to operating together in midfield for Brazil, and striving for World Cup glory in Qatar at the end of this year.

Casemiro has started to show the sort of form that made him integral to Real Madrid's spectacular success and it is obvious his on-field understanding and chemistry with Fred will only be a positive going forwards.

"It's not new to us," Fred said of his partnership with Casemiro. "We've played together for a while for the national team.

"He's a great player, it goes without saying really, everyone knows. He's won numerous Champions League trophies at Real Madrid.

"He's a great player and I'm really happy to be playing alongside him, both here at United and with the Brazilian Selecao. I think it's a great partnership."

Fred is capable of operating in different midfield slots and was used in a more advanced role during the Europa League clash with Real Sociedad, with Casemiro in something of a holding position.

"I played as a no.10 against Real Sociedad," confirmed the former Shakhtar Donetsk man. "You have to adapt to the position in the moment. In the second half, I went back to my position as the second central midfielder, defending a little bit more and attacking as well.

"I think it's important to be versatile and play in a variety of positions, that's what the manager asks us to do. It really helps the manager and the team. Wherever he wants to play me, I'll be ready and will do my best."

For Casemiro, the relationship with his colleagues will only grow as he spends more time at Carrington, with a hectic October schedule on the horizon after the international break.

"I'm closest to Cristiano [Ronaldo], Diogo [Dalot], Fred and Antony," he told us in an interview, to be published in an upcoming United Review. "I think it's a relaxed dressing room, everyone works hard and has a lot of respect for the badge, the club and their team-mates.

"I think the hard work is the most important thing. Of course, there's time for work and then time for joking around. I think that's what is most important."