Paul Scholes admitted he was surprised by Casemiro's range of passing after Manchester United's 2-0 Europa League win against Sheriff Tiraspol on Thursday evening.
Erik ten Hag's side won their first European game of the season in Moldova thanks to goals from Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo. Casemiro came on for Scott McTominay at half-time and put in a solid display to help the visitors maintain their lead.
The Brazil international, 30, was signed by United from Real Madrid in August. He is regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, helping Real win three La Liga titles and five Champions Leagues during his nine-year spell in the Spanish capital.
Casemiro isn't known for his passing ability after spending years playing alongside Ballon d'Or winner Luka Modric and World Cup winner Toni Kroos. Yet the Brazilian's performance on Thursday evening has enhanced Scholes' opinion on his game.
Scholes knows a thing or two about passing having spent nearly two decades orchestrating United's midfield under legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson. He won 25 trophies during his glittering Old Trafford career - including 11 Premier League titles.
"He surprised me a little bit with his forward passing, his range of passing," Scholes told BT Sport. "I thought he was more of a winner, getting the ball back in midfield. It was Kroos and Modric last year; he has more to his game and showed more of a range to his game."
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Despite this, Scholes thinks it will take a while for Casemiro to become a regular at Old Trafford. The former Sao Paulo star was expected to walk into United's midfield, but Scott McTominay's performances have improved significantly since Casemiro's arrival.
Ten Hag appears to constructed the spine of his team, with Christian Eriksen in central midfield and Bruno Fernandes in attacking midfield. The main selection dilemma is in defensive midfield, as the Dutchman needs to choose between McTominay and Casemiro.
Ten Hag played what appears to be his strongest XI against Sheriff, making just one change from the team that defeated Arsenal earlier this month. That change was enforced, as Ronaldo came in for the injured Marcus Rashford.
"I thought he [Ten Hag] was always going to pick his Premier League team [against Sheriff]," added Scholes, "Casemiro, we know the quality he's got and he'll have to work his way into that team. He did okay, just okay, last week - he's clever, he's experienced.
"Eventually he will work his way into this team, but he's going to have to wait a little bit... That's his first game for some time and I think he will, eventually, with the quality he's got, work his way into the team."
United's next game is against local rivals Manchester City at the Etihad on October 2, after the international break. Casemiro is part of Brazil's squad for this month's internationals against Ghana and Tunisia, alongside club teammates Fred and Antony.
