Erik ten Hag picked out Raphael Varane, Casemiro and David de Gea as the three key figures in Manchester United’s side.
All three started as United beat Newcastle 2-0 in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, with Casemiro heading them in front before Marcus Rashford’s deflected strike, which went down as an own goal, doubled the lead.
It is the first trophy of Ten Hag’s reign, and the first for the club since the 2017 Europa League, and there is every chance there is more to come this season with progress continuing to be made domestically and in Europe.
Asked after the match how important Casemiro had been in turning the club’s fortunes around, the United boss added two other players to the list as emphasised the need for a winning mentality in the dressing room.
“Rapha Varane, Casemiro, David de Gea - they know how to win trophies,” Ten Hag told Sky Sports.
“You need such lads on the pitch to point the team, coach the team, organise the team. Not only from a technical perspective, but especially a mental perspective. It’s so important.
“A winning attitude, they have to bring it in the dressing room and in the team. Difficult situations they have to handle, and that is what they did again.”
United struggled initially at Wembley with Newcastle on top, but they came through a couple of tough moments to scored twice before half-time and never looked back from that point.
The final whistle brought huge celebrations in the stands and on the pitch, as Ten Hag paid tribute to the spirit connecting all those involved at the club.
“Staff and players are together, and also with the fans,” Ten Hag said.
“There’s a real hunger and desire for trophies, because Manchester United stand for trophies.”
He added: “What you see with this group, they are connected with each other. They challenge each other as well, which a good dressing room needs.
“In the moments when it’s difficult, they help each other out. It’s great to see. It’s the best that a manager can get.”
