Erik: Casemiro is so important for us

The Brazilian officially completed his move from Real Madrid to United just hours before the Reds picked up our first win under Ten Hag – a 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford in August. 

Fast forward to this weekend, and United are now set to meet with the Merseysiders in the reverse fixture at Anfield (Sunday, 16:30 GMT kick-off), with Casemiro now a well-integrated part of the Dutchman’s tactical set-up.

But his influence isn’t only apparent while United are in action, says Erik. The boss explains, in the second part of his pre-Liverpool press conference, that our no.18 has had a wider impact at the club, which is not limited to just his footballing contributions.

"Casemiro, in this team, he is such a leader, and he is so important for us,” Ten Hag told reporters. 

"Not only with his performances, skills, like scoring a goal, or his header [against Newcastle], or like linking up or intercepting balls. [He is important to our] organisation. The mentality, the culture, and we are so happy that we signed him."

These qualities that Casemiro has come as no surprise to Erik, following the success that the midfielder had in his career before coming to United.

"I knew what a magnificent player he was. Just look through his profile. You see all the cups he won and that's not [a] coincidence," Ten Hag added.

"Like Rapha Varane and Casemiro, they won five Champions Leagues. That's not a coincidence, it's not like all of a sudden. For me it's always the same. You have players who win, and win always, and players who lose and always lose. 

"Of course, you have to do your research and find that type who will win and who are cooperative in the dressing room, to be humble, but when they be on the pitch, they take responsibility and you can sit on the bench and you are composed because you know the players will do the job and will deal with the situation, and will bring you the wins."

Casemiro was therefore a natural target for the club last summer, explains Erik, fitting with the profile of players that he was keen to add to his squad at the start of the season.

"I think when you go to recruitment in the summer, we were looking for players with character, with personality and it was not only about signing a player - there are a lot of players in the world that have great skills. [hey have a] technical approach or they can run really fast [for example]. 

"But we are looking for players who have character. Players who have personality, who have leadership, who take responsibility, who are resilient. 

"So that was the type of players I was looking for after I made the analysis of the squad."