Casemiro’s intelligent gesture to Diogo Dalot shows what he brings to Man Utd squad

The Brazilian midfielder started on the bench for Man Utd during their trip to Leicester but immediately showed that he understands Erik ten Hag’s demands of the Red Devils

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Leicester City v Man Utd: Match in pictures

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro showed that he’s already in tune with Erik ten Hag ‘s demands during the Red Devils’ victory over Leicester City.

The Brazilian started on the bench at the King Power Stadium with a midfield trio of Scott McTominay, Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes all preferred. It means that the former Real Madrid star has been made to wait to make his full debut for the Red Devils since making his £59m move from the Spanish giants.

Despite having been initially been left out of the starting XI, Casemiro already appears to be in sync with Ten Hag’s way of working at the club. During the first-half of the showdown in the East Midlands, he was sent out for a warm-up alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and compatriot Fred.

Just as he was watching proceedings, the ball went out of play and handed United a throw-in in their own half. Diogo Dalot picked the ball up and was preparing to restart play but before he could, Casemiro twice put his arm flat against his body with his palm out at a 90 degree angle.

Whilst the gesture could mean a lot, one would suspect it was either the Brazilian’s way of suggesting to his teammate to either slow the game down and halt Leicester’s momentum, or indeed to keep the ball on the floor from the resultant throw.

The latter would certainly tie into Ten Hag’s ethos of keeping the ball and attempting to probe their opponents through possession as opposed to being slightly more direct, while his experience will no doubt help guide his United teammates.

Casemiro came off the bench against Leicester (

Image:

Getty Images)

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It is certainly a promising sign that despite having only been at Old Trafford for just over a week or so that Casemiro already has a deep understanding of the demands of his new manager – something that is only going to bode well for the remainder of the season.

Ten Hag has already praised his new midfielder for his leadership skills and know-how and the Dutchman will certainly be keen for the Brazilian to continue showing those assets throughout his time as a Red Devil.

Speaking shortly after the Brazilian was signed, the United boss said: “He has won so many trophies in his career. He knows the road: how you win games and finally how you win trophies.

“We [now] have more players who have won already many trophies in their career. That has to be a guidance for the rest of the team so they know and they understand how to win games.”

Ten Hag’s men continued their positive form in the East-Midlands having claimed a first-half lead through Jadon Sancho.

Casemiro was eventually introduced as a second-half substitute by replacing Anthony Elanga just before the hour-mark as Leicester improved.

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