Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has made it clear he values Casemiro’s leadership after the midfielder clashed with Bruno Fernandes following the club’s 1-0 win over Aston Villa on Sunday. Fernandes netted the only goal of the game at Old Trafford. And it means the Red Devils are now on the verge of returning to the Champions League following their absence from the competition this season.
Fernandes was impressive on Sunday, with the United star’s deflected effort in the 39th minute enough to give his side all three points.
But Casemiro seemed to be unhappy with his team-mate in the direct aftermath of the result, with the pair seen having a heated exchange.
Speaking after the game, however, Ten Hag praised Casemiro and admitted he valued the leadership skills of the Brazil international star.
“I think that in every season you see nobody is always playing brilliant, he played such a high level, some games with suspension his rhythm is broken and he had to get back,” said the 53-year-old.
“On Sunday it was Casemiro we’ve seen all season, he brings so much organisation, composure, determination and his leadership is so important, others go with him.
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“We saw a determined and passionate team in the second half.”
Ten Hag also opened up on the way Casemiro played during the game, too.
The former Real Madrid star often looked to play the ball forward, over the top of a high Aston Villa line.
Ten Hag added: “It was definitely one of our ideas for this game, to pass the ball and play the ball behind, but also the formation, the lads did great in that organisation attacking wise.
“It can always be better, the timing was not always perfect, with our speed we do it in the right way, we created chances and have to score more, we know that.”
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As for Fernandes, the United midfielder was delighted to score the winning goal – while also revealing he was currently playing through the pain.
“I’m happy to never be in a condition that doesn’t make me get out of games,” said the Portugal international.
“But, obviously, I had a knock in the FA Cup semi-final and that still hurts a little bit.
“But I can play. I can still help the team and when the manager needs me.
“I will be available for the team to help because I think it’s important to me to play as much as I can.
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“But obviously, I want to try to be in the best condition and try to not get ill and everything like that.
“Trying to eat healthy enough to be in the best conditions to play every game.”
Fernandes also warned his team-mates there was still a job to do, however, with United not over the line in the race for the top four just yet.
“It’s still some work to do,” continued the former Sporting Lisbon star.
“Obviously, we are in a great position. We are in the top four and we have to be there.
“We have to maintain our position and keep winning games to be in the Champions League next season because this is what this club deserves.
“These players deserve to play in this kind of competition, playing against the best teams in the world, and we will give everything to be in the top four.
“Our aim is always to win trophies and, luckily this year although our aim is to win the Premier League, that is not there anymore, but we have to aim for the top four and for the FA Cup final.”
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