Erik Ten Hag Hails Casemiro’s Impact At Manchester United

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has hailed the impact of Casemiro at the Old Trafford club since his arrival from Real Madrid in the summer.

The Brazilian midfielder has played an increasingly central part in Ten Hag’s improving side since they were beaten 6-3 by Manchester City a month ago.

Casemiro was not in the starting line-up at the Etihad stadium that day, but since his recall to the side United have remained unbeaten in eight games.

The former Real Madrid man has started every game in this run as United have won six games, against Everton, Tottenham and West Ham in the Premier League, and Omonia twice and Sheriff once in the Europa League, and drawn twice.

It was Casemiro who kept the unbeaten run going with a late equaliser against Chelsea in United’s 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge at the end of October.

“He told me when we had the first talk he needs a new challenge,” Ten Hag said at a press conference on Wednesday. “Because with Real Madrid he won everything.”

“He was a big part of Real Madrid, still they don’t want him to go but he had the feeling I have to go to another club, to another league to prove myself and that shows his hunger, I really like that.”

“From the first day he is coming with that attitude to every training, to every match and he proves it. I really like it and he will be more and more important to our team.”

“I said it the other day, he is the cement between the stones in and out of possession. You see him growing from game to game and with that, our team is growing. We are really happy with that process but we have to keep that process going, because we are not satisfied, good is not good enough, we have to do better, so tomorrow we have another challenge and another test to do better.”

The Dutchman was speaking ahead of Manchester United’s final Europa League group game against Real Sociedad in San Sebastian on Thursday.

In the Reale Arena United need to win by two goals to overtake the Spanish side and finish top of their group to avoid having to play an extra round in the competition against one of the eight sides who will finish third in their Champions League group.

A two goal victory on Thursday would see United straight through to the Europa League round of sixteen and avoid extra games in what will already be a congested schedule after the World Cup.

The Spaniards have won all of their five Europa League group games so far this season, including a 1-0 victory over United back in September.

Ten Hag believes his side has significantly improved since then. “It’s six weeks ago or so and it’s a different team, not all the players then are fit,” he said. “We’re growing, developing, making good progress.”

“We know it’s difficult to win games here but we like the challenge. We know we have to win by two goals, we have a plan for that and we will do everything to get it done.”

A draw would see Real Sociedad win the group, but Ten Hag believes they won’t be able to sit back for ninety minutes. “I think their coach likes proactive football, they want to play and I think they will stick to that. If it’s a different approach we will adapt but we know what to do.”

Ten Hag confirmed United will be without Jadon Sancho, who is ill, and Antony and Antony Martial, who are both recovering from injuries.