Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag reveals details of first conversation with Casemiro

When pressed further on Casemiro’s transfer and why the Brazil international has adapted so well, Ten Hag pointed to his first conversation with the player and a desire to prove himself all over again.

“He told me when we had the first talk that he needs a new challenge because in Real Madrid he won everything,” said the boss. “He was a big part of Real Madrid still, they didn’t want him to go. 

“But he had a feeling, he told me, that ‘I have to go to another club, to another league, to prove myself’ and that shows his hunger. I really liked that and from the first day on, he has been coming with that attitude to every training, to every match, and he proves it. 

“I really like it and, like I say, he will be more and more important to our team.”