Casemiro: I’m doing what I’ve always done

The Brazil international controls matches with his physicality and intelligence on the ball, not to mention his never-say-die attitude and winning mentality.

However, our no.18 says that under Erik ten Hag, he is carrying out the same role as every other club he has been at throughout his career.

In an interview with ICS, the midfield general explained this role, and exactly what our Dutch manager expects of him.

“He’s a very intelligent coach,” Casemiro said of Ten Hag. “He knows what he can ask for from each player. I’d say he doesn’t ask me for anything I can’t do, obviously I can contribute to the team. The manager makes adjustments of course, but he doesn’t ask for anything different from what I’ve been doing throughout my career.

“Nothing special is requested. Of course, the league and the games themselves allow you to get forward more.

“Everyone, including the manager, knows my role: bring balance to the team, support my team-mates, play between the centre-backs, provide cover for the full-backs, help the midfield, play out from the back with a quality pass. Nothing different from what I’ve always done in my career.”

Casemiro has hit the ground running as a Red and was named our Player of the Month for October. The Brazilian’s influence is vital for Ten Hag’s side, and Casemiro has been impressed with the way his manager and coaches do not allow standards to drop.

“He’s certainly a manager who is obsessed with winning,” said the South American.  “Few managers in my career had the same obsession to win.

“He’s someone who always wants to win: even in training, he always wants the best. He’s a hard-working manager who demands a lot of his players so that we’re always at our best and that’s important for us.

“I also view him as a manager with the desire to see Manchester United grow and develop, that’s one of his most important characteristics, not just his but all the coaching staff who follow his lead.”