31 January 2024 , 10:28
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Manchester United midfielder Casemiro believes Erik ten Hag is the person to see the Red Devils continue to progress.
The Dutch manager's place in the Old Trafford hotseat has come under scrutiny with his team having been knocked out of the Champions League and currently sitting ninth in the Premier League. It has been a disappointing second season for the 53-year-old who guided United to a Carabao Cup win last term.
Casemiro joined the club just months after his boss, with Ten Hag describing him as the 'cement between the stones' for his side. The Brazilian international made his return from injury in Manchester United's FA Cup win over Newport, having not featured since October and could prove crucial to the team turning around their fortunes.
The 31-year-old, who has five Champions League titles to his name, believes the steps the club took last season show ten Hag's credentials. He admits they need to show more however.
"I’m not the person who decides who should be manager,” the former Real Madrid ace told CNN, “We have qualified people to decide that but [Ten Hag] showed last season he can grow Manchester United.”
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He added: “Last season we had really good growth and the team was trending upwards. Of course, Manchester United always needs more and more and always needs to be winning but we showed last season that we are capable of achieving great things. It was always my challenge to help my teammates and Manchester United keep growing and of course, as we all want, return the club to being the best in the world."
Speculation has linked Casemiro with a move away from Old Trafford. The £70million signing's intentions do appear to be focused on improving United however, with the veteran still having two-and-a-half years on his contract and the club holding an option on a further year.
(Dan Minto/ProSports/REX/Shutterstock)Casemiro believes the input and influence of Sir Jim Ratcliffe could play a pivotal role. The British businessman and his INEOS company have shown their ability in cycling and Formula 1 to compete at the top.
“He’s already introduced himself to us,” Casemiro said. “I think with his winning mentality and his wins in all sports, it’s always very important to have people that want to continue growing. With his experience he’ll return Manchester United to the highest possible level. We are very hungry to learn, grow and take the club to the highest place.”