Paul Scholes has suggested that Manchester United midfielder Casemiro shares similarities with Reds legend and former teammate Roy Keane.
Casemiro has excelled at Old Trafford since his summer arrival from Real Madrid, with the Brazilian midfielder making 31 appearances for Erik ten Hag's side, registering four goals and five assists. The five-time Champions League winner has receive widespread praise for the impact he has had since his move to United.
Reds legend Paul Scholes believes the 31-year-old is the closest thing to his former teammate Keane that United have seen in recent years - with the BT Sport pundit also claiming that Casemiro is still not given the credit he deserves, despite his incredible trophy haul in his career.
ALSO READ: Bruno Fernandes sends message to five United forwards over lack of goals
"Casemiro has been sensational really," Scholes told club media. "He has great experience, winning so many times with Real Madrid as well, and is invaluable to the younger players around the squad. It's almost like he's a coach on the football pitch. You've seen the difference from when he's come into the team and what he's made [happen].
"He has great experience and I don't think he gets the credit for the way he plays. He is a really good passer of the ball, which surprised me a little bit, when you think you saw Luka Modric and Toni Kroos as the playmakers at Real Madrid. But this lad can play. I've heard so many times, as well, that's he's probably the best holding midfielder as well. I don't see him as a holding midfielder.
"He's a proper Manchester United midfielder that gets involved in everything. You see him up the pitch, you see him defending, you see him controlling the game at times. He's probably as close to Roy Keane as you're going to get. I think he's been brilliant. I think 'holding midfielder' just does him a little bit of an injustice."
Meanwhile, Owen Hargreaves suggested that Sir Alex Ferguson would have appreciated one of Casemiro's key traits - praising the Brazilian's ability to break up the play and quickly get the Reds up the pitch.
He said: "The biggest difference he made is his first pass is forward. He breaks up the play as good as anyone but if you watch him, his passing is always forward and that's what Scholesy did best. Sir Alex always said, in transition, play the ball forward if you can, didn't he Scholesy?
"I think that's the biggest difference. Obviously, Christ Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes's balance is brilliant. It's a shame Eriksen isn't fit but I think he makes a huge difference. I'm with Scholesy, I think his passing is super underrated as he always plays forward."
Casemiro is almost certain to start for United in the second leg of their Europa League play off clash against Barcelona on Thursday night. The midfielder was jeered during the first leg at Camp Nou, which finished 2-2.
READ NEXT:
