Erik ten Hag is very pleased with Casemiro’s performance. The Brazilian made the switch from Real Madrid to Manchester United for at least seventy million euros last summer and has secured a base place under the Dutch manager since the beginning of October. “He is the cement in our midfield,” said Ten Hag.
Manchester United managed to win a victory at home against West Ham United on Sunday by hanging and strangling. This increased the Red Devils to fifth place in the Premier League. The last league defeat dates back to October 2, when Manchester United fell hard against arch-rival Manchester City (6-3). The fact that United have been performing so well in recent weeks is, according to Ten Hag, partly due to Casemiro’s contribution.
“I call Casemiro the cement in our midfield,” Ten Hag said at the press conference after the game against West Ham. “Casemiro makes such a huge difference both in possession and without. He gives the team something extra and helps us dominate.” With Casemiro in the line, United have only lost twice this season.
“Casemiro can also read the game and he helps the players by coaching them in the right position. He anticipates both in possession and without the ball and also sees the passes between the lines,” said Ten Hag. It is not the first time that the manager has praised his pupil. After the win over Tottenham Hotspur (2-0) Ten Hag said the midfielder is worth every penny that the Mancunians paid to Real this summer.
Casemiro himself recently spoke highly of Ten Hag during a press conference. “I think Manchester United have a great manager, because you could already see that at Ajax. I think he’s doing well here. He has to work with a diverse group of players here, but I believe we will adapt to his style of play.”