Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag says Casemiro is still a "big leader" for the team despite a difficult last season for the Red Devils.
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Casemiro struggled last seasonImpressed against Man CityTen Hag backs Man Utd midfielderWHAT HAPPENED?
Last season, the Brazil international was a shadow of the player he once was, with Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher even suggesting the 32-year-old should retire. However, after an encouraging performance against Manchester City on Saturday in the Community Shield, manager Ten Hag has sung the former Real Madrid star's praises.
AdvertisementBen StansallWHAT ERIK TEN HAG SAID
He told United's website: "He has a pre-season so he is very fit in this moment. I think, as a team, we work good together and I think that makes it for Case very easy. Then he can bring his skills in and then you can see his importance for the game and for our team."
Ten Hag added: "He is a big leader for us and very important for the team. Attacking, defending, we are together."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Although Casemiro showed he can still be a quality player on his day, the challenge will be maintaining those high standards over the course of the season. The Brazilian was often one of many weak links for United last term, so it remains to be seen if this display was just a flash in the pan, or the start of a positive trend.
GettyWHAT NEXT?
Midfielder Casemiro will get another chance to shine for United when they return to Premier League action on Friday night against Fulham at Old Trafford. Eight days later, they travel to Brighton to round off August.
