Erik ten Hag says it was ‘so important’ for Manchester United to sign Casemiro

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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has hailed the club’s summer signings including £70 million man Casemiro.

Ten Hag’s first window in charge threatened to be more of the same with the forlorn pursuit of Frenkie de Jong dragging on far too long.

But United did get an elite holding midfielder in the shape of Casemiro and there is not one summer arrival who has been a bust so far.

That is what Ten Hag told VI magazine, as quoted by the Mirror, as he talked up the importance of having players in the squad who know how to win things.

Ten Hag hails winning mentality of Casemiro and Varane

Ten Hag said: “The club has bought an unimaginable number of players in recent years who have not been good enough.

“Most purchases have been average – and at United average is not good enough. United’s shirt weighs heavily. Only real personalities, who can perform under great pressure, can play here.

“We needed personalities. That’s why the acquisition of Casemiro was so important. Along with Raphael Varane, we now have a second player who has experience of winning titles.

“Malacia, Martinez, Casemiro, Antony are all fighters, while Christian Eriksen is a technical winner and a great personality. We want the best of the best. Any players we bring to Manchester United must meet the highest standard.”

Casemiro and Varane came to United from Madrid because they wanted a new challenge and they bring experience of being serial winners in Spain.

United need exactly that if they are going to end the trophy drought which has lasted since 2017 when Jose Mourinho won the Europa League.

That competition sees United face Barcelona in a two-legged play-off next month, where victory would really raise confidence we can go all the way.

Charlton stand between United and the EFL Cup semi-finals on Tuesday night, while we await today’s fourth round FA Cup draw to discover our opponents.