Roy Keane has hailed Casemiro’s influence since his move from Real Madrid in the summer.
According to the Daily Mail, Keane believes that the Brazilian quickly became one of the first names on Eric ten Haga’s team sheet.
The former United captain knows all about Casemiro’s role, having played 480 times in a trophy-rich career at Old Trafford.
Speaking on Sky Sports ahead of United’s Carabao Cup semi-final, Keane praised Casemiro’s attitude and said his presence on the pitch allows him to make the most of his teammates’ opportunities.
“He’s a big personality, he’s already won big trophies. A big strong boy, a big personality — he makes the players around him better, that’s what great players do.” he said
Keane went on to say that, in his opinion, Casemiro’s absence makes the team significantly weaker, which is highlighted by the weekend’s defeat at the Emirates, emphasizing his importance to the team.
“He is a very important player for them. We clearly saw on the weekend when he wasn’t playing (how he was missed). Sometimes you realize how good a player he is when he is not in the team.” he said
Casemiro’s quality with the ball and his ability to influence the game also impressed Keane.
“He influences the game, obviously very good defensively and pretty good with the ball, let me tell you… He’s very good at passing and scored a few goals, which is a huge bonus,” he said.
Keane’s feelings are widely shared by United fans, who have embraced the Brazilian wholeheartedly since his arrival.
Casemiro’s level of play showed how much United lacked a player of such quality in midfield after the retirement of Keane’s replacement Michael Carrick.
Ten Hag is well aware of the importance of the former Real Madrid player, who will play a key role in any success of United this season.
United are still fighting on four fronts and have one foot in the Champions League Cup final after beating Nottingham Forest in the first semi-final match last night and beating Old Trafford by 3 goals next Wednesday.
