Teddy Sheringham has compared Casemiro to former Manchester United captain Roy Keane and believes the midfielder has been ‘invaluable’ to Erik ten Hag’s team this season.
Casemiro signed for the Red Devils from Real Madrid in a deal worth £70m last summer and arrived with a huge reputation after winning five Champions League titles with the Spanish giants.
Questions were asked regarding the fee for a footballer who turned 31 in February, but the Brazilian has played a pivotal part in an encouraging first season under Ten Hag that has seen United end a six-year wait for silverware and secure Champions League qualification.
Casemiro’s classy performances have helped solve a long-standing problem in midfield and ex-United forward Sheringham believes the summer signing has been ‘invaluable’ to the progress made this season.
“I think Casemiro has been invaluable,” Sheringham told football betting site Betway.
”You need somebody in central midfield that dictates the play, and he chips in a few goals as well.
”I know he’s had a couple of red cards, and that sets you back a bit, but he stamps his authority on a game and I think he’s been a revelation since he’s come in.”
Sheringham formed part of the iconic Manchester United side that won a Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League treble during the 1998/99 season. That team was captained by Roy Keane and the former England forward admits he can see similarities between Casemiro and the club’s treble-winning captain.
”Without a doubt,” Sheringham said when asked if Casemiro was comparable to Keane.
“He’s not captain, but he leads by example. I wouldn’t put it past Ten Hag to give the captain’s armband to Casemiro next year.
”I know it’s drifted about, but I think Casemiro is the leader and he should be captain. He leads by example, the same way Roy Keane did.”
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