Erik ten Hag has pinpointed the signing of Casemiro as key to Manchester United’s future success.
United landed Casemiro from Real Madrid in mid-August, a signing which seemed improbable at the time.
Fortunately Casemiro felt that leaving Real Madrid was the right move, after winning five Champions League titles for the club.
He wanted a fresh challenge, which he certainly has at Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United. So far the Brazilian has made an excellent start.
Casemiro signing key
Ten Hag spoke to Dutch outlet Voetbal International about his journey at Manchester United so far.
He said he felt that watching United last season, he saw a team which did not fight for each other or work as a team.
The manager singled out the signing of Casemiro as key to accelerating the club’s path to success, as a proven winner who commands respect.
Ten Hag said: “To get that [winning mentality] into the dressing room, you need personalities.
“That’s why the purchase of Casemiro was so important.
“He can speed up the process, because he knows what you have to do to win titles.”
Turning Manchester United around is not a simple task, and even the improvements which are made, may not be enough, because the Premier League is so competitive.
Teams around United are all striving to improve themselves, which is why Erik ten Hag said last week he would welcome a takeover, to provide the necessary funds.
Having a multiple-times Champions League winner in midfield helps too. From his performances this season, it has been clear that Casemiro has a huge part to play.
The Brazilian won United’s player of the month award for October, and it would not be a surprise to see him sweep up a few more.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
