Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has revealed that he has granted Casemiro yet another nickname following his impressive start to life at Old Trafford.
The Brazilian has performed extremely well during his first few months as a Red Devil following a big-money switch from Real Madrid. His introduction into the side as a starter has coincided with a five-match undefeated run in the Premier League - with United conceding just two goals in that time.
Fellow summer arrival and compatriot Antony had previously revealed that the 30-year-old had earned an affectionate nickname due to his eye-catching early displays.
“I always say he is our guard dog in the middle. He is a no-nonsense guy, a more serious type,” the former Ajax forward said.
Now, head coach Ten Hag has revealed that he has his own name for Casemiro having been full of praise for the midfielder’s performance in the recent 1-0 victory over West Ham United - a win that lifted the Red Devils up to fifth in the Premier League table.
Speaking after the full-time whistle at Old Trafford, the Dutchman said: “I call him the cement in the midfield. I think in and out of possession he makes such a difference and he gives the team [an] extra edge and helps them dominate.”
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“He can also read the game and he helps the players by pointing them into the right positions. He is anticipating both in and out of possession and also he sees the pass between the lines. He is a top player and I am really happy to have him here.”
Casemiro will certainly be aiming to keep having an impact for United over the next few weeks, with the Red Devils having objectives to achieve before the World Cup break.
They face a key showdown with Real Sociedad in Spain on Thursday evening and must win by two goals or more to finish top of their group and avoid what could be a potentially tricky playoff to reach the next round.
Should they fail to do that, they will come up against a side that dropped out of the Champions League including Ajax, Barcelona, Juventus and even Europa League specialists Sevilla.
In the meantime, the Red Devils will also be hoping to move back into the Champions League places with clashes against Aston Villa and Fulham set to come over the next few weeks.
Casemiro will no doubt be hoping to continue his positive recent form with Brazil among the favourites to lift the World Cup in Qatar next month.
