Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has said that Casemiro’s skill on the ball has shocked him since his summer move from Real Madrid. After abandoning their long-term pursuit of Frenkie de Jong, United sealed a deal worth up to £60 million for Casemiro earlier this summer.
Erik ten Hag employed the Brazilian enforcer infrequently until lately. He won three Champions League championships with Los Blancos and is one of Europe’s most decorated midfielders.
What has Paul Scholes about Casemiro?
During his trophy-laden tenure in Spain, Casemiro was the brawn of Real Madrid’s all-star midfield. But Scholes has been pleased by how poised the 30-year-old has been on the ball, which has taken him by surprise.
Casemiro got his first Premier League assist in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Everton, putting a lovely pass through to Cristiano Ronaldo. It was the ideal answer from the midfielder, who had previously been caught out for the Toffees’ opening.
Scholes told BT Sport during Manchester United’s Europa League match against Nicosia Omonia on Thursday night. He said, “It was a little bit in and out, it’s a tough place to go for your full debut. I think you’re better having him in your team, some of his qualities going forward. Especially, he surprised me with his forward passing the quality of it”.
“When he was in that Real Madrid [team] he was outshone by Modric and Kroos. It was a really good debut, he needs to be in the team, just the name alone, when teams look across in the tunnel and see Casemiro, Ronaldo, so much quality. I think it’s overdue he’s in the team and I hope he has a really good run in it”.
Scott McTominay’s strong success was a crucial component in Casemiro’s progressive integration into the Manchester United first-team, as Ten Hag acknowledged earlier this month.
The Scotsman formed an effective relationship with Christian Eriksen, who has excelled in a new, deeper midfield role since joining United. Despite his Cypriot team’s close setback, which increased the Red Devils’ chances of reaching the knockout round, Uzoho couldn’t disguise his excitement at his personal exploits during a sentimental post-match interview.