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This is the way to win titles, but we have to keep growing’: Man United are on a ‘good path’, Casemiro believes, but the Brazilian insists that ‘we are still a club under construction’, as the Red Devils look to finish six. trophy drought year
Casemiro has been at Manchester United long enough to feel the weight of history at Old Trafford, and he believes the club is on its way back under Erik ten Hag.
The Brazil star has been a revelation since moving from Real Madrid in a £70m deal last summer. His two goals against Reading on Saturday night put United on course for the fifth round of the FA Cup, and they are set to secure a place in the Carabao Cup final on Wednesday after opening a three-goal lead in the first leg over Nottingham Forest. .
Casemiro, a series winner in Spain, believes there are signs United are heading in the right direction with Ten Hag’s side still competing in four competitions.
Manchester United’s Casemiro has been a revelation since joining the club last year.
“When you arrive at a new club, you always dream of making history, especially if we see the greatness of this club,” he said.
We know the story. But, of course, he was aware that he needed time to adjust and that rivals like Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool had a long-term plan before us. They all have directors who have been around for a long time and therefore have an advantage.
‘We have to see what the reality is, and we are still a club under construction. Of course, we are already respected: the rivals know that we are strong, that we have good dynamics, the coach is doing a good job, the players too.
Manchester United is a great club. In my opinion, if we look at the titles, it is the biggest in England.
He said the club were on a “good track” after picking up a brace in their 3–1 win over Reading.
“A job is being done with a lot of humility, knowing that there is a lot to improve, but we must congratulate all the players now. We are on a good path. This is the way to win titles, but we have to keep growing.
‘We know that we are advancing within a plan, step by step we are building a well-structured team and this is important. To win titles in the future, you have to build a solid foundation.’
Ten Hag routinely refers to Casemiro as “the cement between the stones”, but there is much more finesse to him than the manager’s compliment suggests. Two excellent right-footed goals put Reading out of the game and United went on to win.
His goals put United into the fifth round of the FA Cup, as they continue to challenge in four competitions.
“The last time I scored twice in the same game was against Sevilla at the Bernabéu and we won 2-1 (in January 2020),” he added.
‘I’m happy for tonight, especially for helping the team. My main job is to give more balance to the defense, help my teammates and give more quality to the build, but scoring is also important and satisfying.’
Amid the celebrations for the opening goal, Casemiro was quick to point out his Brazil teammate Antony, who made the assist after facing criticism in recent weeks.
“Every goal we score is the result of a collective effort,” he added. ‘On my first goal, Antony’s pass was incredible. I know people focus on who he scored, but I wanted to give him some love because the pass was magical. He is an important player for us.
The 30-year-old midfielder also talked about how he ‘feels at home’ in Erik ten Hag’s team
Another Brazilian, Fred, scored United’s third goal in the space of 12 minutes, and then Casemiro spoke about how much he enjoys life at Old Trafford.
‘Everyone here has been lovely to me, and from day one I feel at home here. I appreciate all the effort the club has made to bring me here.
‘In our lives we have to have goals and challenges. It was a challenge for me to continue to grow and develop in my career.
‘I am happy with my adaptation here. My teammates and staff are really helping me. Also with the English language, it’s been quite difficult, but I’m really trying to improve.
I am very comfortable at Manchester United, very happy to be here and enjoying every moment like a 15-year-old. But the most important thing is to see the team grow.’