Erik ten Hag was full of praise for Casemiro after Manchester United’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last night.
The 30-year-old rose the highest to meet Luke Shaw’s cross, and the Brazilian’s header crept over the line despite Kepa Arrizabalaga’s best efforts.
It was Casemiro’s first goal for the Red Devils, and his 94th minute equaliser sparked wild celebrations in the away end at Stamford Bridge.
The former Real Madrid midfield enforcer has come close to opening his Manchester United account in recent weeks, but our number 18 chose the perfect moment to get off the mark.
Ten Hag praises Casemiro
Making his fourth consecutive Premier League start for the twenty-time league champions, Ten Hag’s side remain unbeaten in the top-flight when the 65-time Brazil international’s name is included in the starting line-up.
But after being slowly integrated into the starting line-up following his big money from Los Blancos, Ten Hag has no doubt that the five-time Champions League winner is having a massive impact on his side.
The former Ajax manager was full of praise for the holding midfielder and the Dutchman believes that Casemiro’s arrival has played a huge role in making his team more resilient, which was evident in the way we fought back against Chelsea.
Speaking to the club’s website after last night’s last-gasp draw against Graham Potter’s Blues, the 52-year-old said: “You show resilience and that is a really big theme for big teams to have in your capabilities and also therefore that is what Casemiro, among others, is bringing into the squad and into this team.”
Casemiro’s importance and influence in the United dressing room is only going to get stronger, but Ten Hag is delighted with the impact the serial winner has already made.
“That is why we brought him in, we know he is capable of doing that. He proved this in Spain, he proved it in the Champions League – so at the highest level,” Ten Hag explained.
“So he could also do it in the Premier League. It’s clear the Premier League is a different league, with especially the intensity, so he needed a short period to adapt to that and now from game to game you see him growing and then you see how important it is for our game.
“He brings the composure. He brings the organisation and then he also even scores a goal and brings a lot to the team.”
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