Erik ten Hag has backed Casemiro to help Manchester United succeed this season despite the Brazilian’s decline in form.
Casemiro arrived from Real Madrid in the summer of 2022 for £70 million which raised a lot of eyebrows at the time given the price tag and the player’s age.
However, in his first season the five-time Champions League winner was arguably one of the signings of the season and spearheaded United to a third-placed finish in the Premier League and a Carabao Cup triumph.
This season, the Brazilians performances have been the polar opposite. Injuries have proved problematic for the midfielder, but there has clearly been a decline.
Ten Hag defended his player and says he still has plenty to offer for Manchester United this season.
He said: We needed the six when I arrived here and last season Casemiro was fantastic. I don’t think he ever scored so many goals as well but as a holding midfielder he was so important for the team.
“This season he struggled with some bad injury he never had in his career. But I know he is such a winner. All his career he always won. Everywhere he was, there will be success. And I trust he will give us also the success.
“I know he needs games, and he will be better. I’m very confident about him. He’s a fighter – that’s also why he won the big trophies. He’s a personality. He’s a very important player for us and he will give us success.”
