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Phil Jones praises Casemiro’s ‘calming effect’ on his Man United team-mates, with the rest of the team ‘feeding’ on the Brazilian, reveals Phil Jones… and defender credits boss Erik ten Hag for doing so feel ‘valued’ despite their peripheral role
- Phil Jones believes Manchester United benefit from having Casemiro
- The Brazilian has not stopped being present on the side since his arrival from Real Madrid
- Jones affirms that the club ‘feeds’ on the midfielder and is a large part of the winger
Manchester United defender Phil Jones has praised midfielder Casemiro, and the Englishman believes the team ‘feeds’ on the Brazil international.
The Brazilian has been a revelation for the club since joining the Red Devils in the summer from Real Madrid with a series of rousing and commanding performances.
Casemiro has been an ever-present at the heart of United’s midfield throughout the season so far and remains a huge influence on the team.
Despite picking up a red card in United’s recent encounter with Crystal Palace, Casemiro returns to United’s line-up against Newcastle United for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final at Wembley, starting alongside fellow Brazilian Fred in the midfield.
Phil Jones (above) believes Manchester United benefit from having Casemiro in the team
The Brazilian has been a revelation for the club since he arrived from Real Madrid in the summer
With United set to benefit from the Brazilian’s return to the team, Jones believes that everyone in the team feeds off the way he plays.
Ahead of the Carabao Cup final between the Red Devils and Newcastle, Jones expressed his opinion on how fundamental the Brazilian has been since his arrival.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “It’s the way he sets up those attacks.” It has a calming effect on boys. In the field you can see that everyone feeds on it.
“He’s very contagious and the way he leads and the way he plays his football, you know. Everybody sees that and feeds off of it.
“You can see the success they’ve had when he’s been on the team.”
With Casemiro proving to be a great asset to the team, United fans are hoping he can maintain his fine form for the remainder of the season, and Jones believes the team have had success with him in the starting XI.
The Englishman also provided an update on his current situation regarding his fitness.
The 31-year-old hasn’t played for the Red Devils since May 2022, when he played in a 3-0 win against Brentford.
Jones is in the final year of his contract, but the club has the option to extend the deal for another year.
Phil Jones has endured a torrid few years with the defender suffering various injuries.
Despite his appalling injury record of late, the defender revealed that he is doing everything he can to get back on the pitch, with United assisting the player in his recovery.
‘I’m fine. It’s been a long road. There is no way to hide from it. Sometimes physically and mentally,” Jones said.
‘I am strong-willed and I love playing football. I’m doing everything I can to get back on the court. When you’ve had all the problems and injuries, you know, it’s hard to deal with it.
‘The club has been absolutely fantastic. I think I have had good support around me from family and friends. The club that has been especially fantastic with me. I’m thankful for that and I want to be back out there.