Ten Hag: Casemiro adds to our leaders
Erik ten Hag has been describing how the experience of new Manchester United midfield man Casemiro can help the current Reds squad.
The Brazilian completed his transfer from Real Madrid on Monday and he was fully unveiled as a United player, with a visa still pending, prior to our brilliant 2-1 win over Liverpool.
Prior to the game, Ten Hag hinted at Casemiro’s role in his team, suggesting he would be the ‘cement’ which would help glue his midfield together.
Ten Hag reacts to Casemiro signing
ArticleErik explains the reasoning behind adding the Brazilian to the squad.
Following the victory over our rivals, the Dutchman expanded on the 30-year-old, explaining the ways in which the five-time Champions League winner can drive the Reds forward with his know-how.
“He has won so many trophies in his career,” Erik said to reporters at his post-match press conference. “He knows the road: how you win games and finally how you win trophies.
“We [now] have more players who have won already many trophies in their career. That has to be a guidance for the rest of the team so they know and they understand how to win games.
“We did really well today compared to last week so we make a step [forward], but it is what you have to deliver every day and in every game.”
Ten Hag earlier took time to praise Bruno Fernandes and Raphael Varane for grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck and showing the way for their younger team-mates.
Presumably he’s expecting similar leadership from Casemiro when he eventually makes his debut – United have two away games next up, against Southampton and Leicester City, before Arsenal’s visit to Old Trafford on 4 September - as he seeks more leadership in the squad.
“I think he [Bruno] took the responsibility and I think it encouraged him, the captaincy, and I think he showed leadership together with Rapha Varane,” Ten Hag told Sky Sports.
When Casemiro was unveiled at Old Trafford
Watch the moment Casemiro was unveiled to Old Trafford following his transfer from Real Madrid, on 22 August 2022...
“I think definitely on the pitch, they make a huge difference, but that is what they have to bring, and it’s not just those two, I think we need more leaders.
“When you want to make a winning team, you need more leaders and we need the spirit that we showed today.”