'Very happy': Erik ten Hag praises Man Utd star who won 78% tackles vs Man City

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag heaped praise on Casemiro following the club’s Community Shield defeat to Manchester City on Saturday.

The Red Devils had a good outing against their fierce rivals, but they failed to capitalise on their clear-cut chances, scoring just one goal in normal time.

The club eventually suffered a defeat in the penalty shoot-out with Jadon Sancho and Jonny Evans missing their spot kicks.

Speaking after the game, Ten Hag said that Casemiro has been very fit from pre-season and he is a great player, who is very important for the team.

The Dutch tactician added that that there is no indication that the Brazilian star won’t stay and the Red Devils are very happy with the decision.

He said (via Goal): “Casemiro? I don’t think it is about the system. Since a long time he has a pre-season so he is very fit in the moment.

“As a team we work very well and that is easier for Casemiro. He is a great player and can bring his skillset. He is very important for our team.

“I don’t have any signal he won’t stay and we are very happy with that.”

Casemiro had a poor outing against Liverpool earlier this month. He was guilty of losing possession on 16 occasions and won just 28 percent of his duels.

However, we saw a vastly improved display versus Pep Guardiola’s side yesterday. He won an impressive 10 duels alongside 78 per cent of his tackles (7/9).

The former Real Madrid man lost possession on 12 occasions, but he made up for the same with eight ball recoveries and a couple of crucial clearances.

Despite this, the club are likely to sign a new defensive midfielder to compete with Casemiro, who has been struggled to find consistency over the last year.

He dominated the proceedings in the heart of the midfield yesterday, but it could have been different, had Rodri played for the reigning English champions.

Stats from WhoScored.com & Sofascore.com