The arrival of top-quality players like Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez forced Manchester United’s players to up their games, according to Bruno Fernandes.
United have the chance to win a first piece of silverware for six years on Sunday when they take on Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final. Erik ten Hag has overseen a vast improvement this season, with United still in contention for all four trophies that were available at the start of the season.
While the Dutchman’s leadership and tactical tweaks have made a difference, the recruitment over the summer has also had a big impact. United spent big money to bring in Casemiro, Martinez, Anthony, Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen and Fernandes believes their presence has helped drive up standards.
“When someone comes in, he always brings something new, he brings something different because all the players are different,” he told Sky Sports. “I think with the two players that you mentioned (Casemiro and Martinez), they brought a good mentality, a good quality.
“Obviously I think Christian [Eriksen] was also playing really well, but I think a part of the ones that came in is also about the ones that step forward and did a step to understand that we are not reaching our levels yet. So we can do much better.
“I think everyone this season is being much better than we were last season, starting with me. I think everyone is being pretty much more confident, more performing wise, more consistent and doing what is needed for the team to win.
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“Because sometimes you have to suffer, sometimes you have to run more, sometimes you have to touch less the ball. And that is the also the demands from the manager.
“The intensity he wants, the runs he wants, the idea of football he wants. I think he brought the people he understood that will fit in his ideas and I think everyone is fitting really well.”
Casemiro joined United in a £60million move from Real Madrid, where he won five Champions League titles. The Brazil international is a hugely experienced player and his presence at the base of midfield has made a huge impact this season.
There is a clear mutual respect between Casemiro and Fernandes, with the former Real Madrid man hailing his team-mate’s ability on the pitch.
"Before coming to Manchester United, I’d turn on the TV and watch their games… and he was the best player,” he said. "He’s one of the guys that helps up front and midfield, he is part of that transition. He’s our best player there."
As well as Sunday’s Carabao Cup final, United are in the last-16 of the Europa League, where they will face Real Betis after beating Barcelona, and the fifth round of the FA Cup, with a tie against West Ham on the horizon. Ten Hag’s side are third in the Premier League, six points behind Manchester City, with a game in hand.
