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Paul Scholes says he was ‘SURPRISED’ by five-time Champions League winner Casemiro’s ‘range of passes’ in Man United’s win over Sheriff in the Europa League, admitting he thought the former Real Madrid star’ was more of a ball winner’
- Casemiro introduced at half time and impressed in the second period
- The Brazilian struggles to break through into the first team after joining in August
- Paul Scholes was impressed by his performance in Moldova on Thursday
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Paul Scholes has admitted to being surprised by Casemiro’s ball skills after the Brazilian put in an impressive technical performance for Manchester United in the Europa League.
Casemiro, a £70million summer signing from Real Madrid, was introduced to Scott McTominay at halftime when United recorded a comfortable 2-0 win over Sheriff Tiraspol.
Speaking to BT Sport after the game, Scholes said he felt Casemiro was more of a “[ball] winner’ after watching him play alongside technical maestros Toni Kroos and Luka Modric for several seasons and was pleasantly surprised by his impressive array of passes – despite the 30-year-old’s impressive amount of trophies.
Paul Scholes admitted to being surprised by Casemiro’s ball skills after his impressive performance against Sheriff Tiraspol
He said: ‘He surprised me a little bit with his forward passing, his range of passes.
“I thought he was more of a winner getting the ball back into midfield. Last year it was Kroos and Modric; he has more in his game and showed more range in his play.’
Despite the quality he displayed, Scholes believes it will be some time before the former Real Madrid man chases McTominay and breaks into Erik ten Hag’s first team.
The Brazilian was introduced at halftime and impressed in his longest appearance ever
The Dutch manager, who had seen his side win four of their last five games on Thursday evening en route to their clash on Thursday evening, took his established Premier League XI into Moldova with the only change from the win over Arsenal, Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Marcus Rashford. which was enforced due to the latter’s injury.
Ten Hag had announced the changes for United’s defeat to Real Sociedad last week in their opening match in the Europa League.
The Dutchman wanted to kick-start their European campaign with a win in Moldova and chose a strong side for the game, United’s last until after the international break following the postponement of the clash with Leeds.
‘I thought he’ [Ten Hag] would always choose his Premier League team [against Sheriff]Scholes said.
Scott McTominay has so far managed to hold off Casemiro and keep his place in Erik ten Hag’s starting eleven
“Casemiro, we know the quality he has and he will have to work his way into that team. He did well, just well, last week – he’s smart, he has experience.
“Eventually he will make his way into this team, but he will have to wait a little longer… That is his first game for some time and I think eventually, with the quality he has, he will find himself in the team .’
Meanwhile, United will not play a game until October 2 against Manchester City, after their match against Leeds United this weekend was postponed due to the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the overstretched police resources resulting from the funeral arrangements in the capital.
The former United midfielder said the Brazilian will have to wait a little longer to join the established starting squad