Former Manchester United forward Teddy Sheringham has claimed that Casemiro is Erik ten Hag ’s version of Roy Keane.
The Brazilian has enjoyed a brilliant start to life at Old Trafford since his £60m move to the club from Real Madrid last summer. He has completely transformed the Red Devils’ midfield and has the side on track to seal a place back in the Champions League next term.
Whilst the 30-year-old’s defensive abilities have been crucial for United this term, his ability going forwards has also been a welcome addition. Casemiro has four goals and five assists to his name this term in all competitions this campaign.
Sheringham believes that the Brazilian’s performances so far remind him of Red Devils’ icon Keane. Speaking with talkSPORT, the former Red Devils’ striker said: “All I will say about Casemiro is I think he is like a Roy Keane that they have been missing for the last eight years.
“That midfield general that has that desire and understanding of the game of when to do what to make sure that his team are performing to the best of their capabilities. He’s not just worried about himself, I do like him. Perhaps he thought he had to enforce something at the time [of his red card].”
United will be without the impressive Brazilian for the next few weeks after his red card against Crystal Palace. The former Real Madrid star has consequently been suspended for three games.
That will see him miss a double header against fierce rivals Leeds in the Premier League, whilst he will also be absent for the Red Devils as they host Leicester later this month. Despite recognising that his side face a tough test without him, United goalkeeper David De Gea has suggested that January signing Marcel Sabitzer is more than capable of stepping up in his absence.
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Speaking after his side’s slender win over Crystal Palace at Old Trafford, the Spaniard said: "It's going to be tough for sure. We already lost Christian [Eriksen], now Casemiro, big players for us.
“But we have a bigger squad, players are ready to play, everyone is really focused. Sabitzer showed already, he played 15 to 20 minutes and he did really well, made some good tackles, he is good with the ball and everyone is ready to play."
The Austrian midfielder made his debut for United during the victory over Palace at Old Trafford having been introduced as a substitute. Amid Casemiro’s suspension, the on-loan Bayern star could be in line for his first Red Devils’ start on Wednesday evening against Leeds.
Fortunately, the Brazilian is eligible to play for the side in Europe with a crucial Europa League encounter against Barcelona on the horizon.
