Former Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has waxed lyrical over the impact of both Raphael Varane and Casemiro in Thursday night's Europa League victory over Barcelona.
The Red Devils ran out 2-1 winners at Old Trafford to seal a 4-3 aggregate victory, following a thrilling first-leg encounter at the Camp Nou last week that ended 2-2. Things didn't exactly get off to the brightest start in the second leg, with Robert Lewandowski putting the visitors in front from the penalty spot.
However, second-half goals from much-maligned midfielder Fred and marquee summer signing Antony turned the tie on its head and sealed United's place in the round-of 16. With that being said, the aforementioned duo were not the only pair of United stars who impressed.
Both Varane and Casemiro caught the eye of Van Persie, who explained that their experience from their shared days at Real Madrid can only benefit United when it comes to navigating through difficult moments.
The former Madrid stars both won an astonishing amount of honours during their time in the Spanish capital and are now aiming to do the same in Manchester. They have an opportunity to secure their first piece of silverware on Sunday when United take on Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final.
Van Persie has admitted he is of the belief that the pair can inspire United to the kind of heights that top teams like the United he played in reached.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Can United go all the way in the Europa League? Comment below
"Casemiro, Varane, these guys are winners and can get you through a tough moment in a game," Van Persie told BT Sport. "They have been showing it. Even though they were behind, I still felt they could come back in the game. That is the sign of a top team."
His sentiments were echoed by another former United star in Owen Hargreaves, who added another one of the current crop in Lisandro Martinez.
"I think Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez were fabulous, the spirit of those two, Martinez and Casemiro was fantastic."
Ten Hag sent a similar message as he praised the 'personalities' he can call upon within his squad. "I think we have some great personalities in the team like Rafa [Varane] and Martinez," the Dutchman explained.
"Antony and Garnacho don’t fear anyone, then Bruno and Casemiro of course. We have great personalities. When you have a setback they carry on and try to get a result."
