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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Samuel Luckhurst

Erik ten Hag explains what Casemiro is bringing to Manchester United

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag lauded Casemiro for restoring resilience to the team after his equaliser against Chelsea.

Casemiro rose to nod past Kepa Arrizabalaga in the 94th minute at Stamford Bridge for his first goal for United since his £70million move from Real Madrid.

The 30-year-old has started in United's last six games and Casemiro's influence has been particularly apparent in the wins over Everton and Tottenham, as well as the draw with Chelsea.

READ MORE: Casemiro is giving United more than they expected after Chelsea draw

"That is why we brought him in," Ten Hag explained. "We know he is capable to do that, he proved it in Spain, he proved it in the Champions League, so the highest level.

"So he could also do it in the Premier League. But it's clear the Premier League is a different league, especially with the intensity, so he needed a short period to adapt to that.

"And now from game to game you see him growing, and how important it is for our game. He brings the composure, he brings the organisation and he even scores a goal and then you bring a lot to the team."

United have scored in added time in successive weeks after Scott McTominay struck a 93rd-minute winner to deny Omonia Nicosia what would have been a remarkable point at Old Trafford in the Europa League.

Ten Hag also presided over a recovery win at Everton a fortnight ago and United remain a point off the top four in the Premier League.

"That's why I'm happy in this stage of the season with this point," Ten Hag added. "When you are capable to fight back like we did. And we did it last week against Omonia to get the win, we did it today after, you are down, you give resilience, you show resilience and that is a really big theme for big teams to have that in your capabilities.

"And also, therefore, that is what Casemiro, among others, is bringing to this squad and to this team."

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