Casemiro ‘surprised’ by Man United boss Erik ten Hag’s winning ‘obsession’

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has expressed surprise at manager Erik Ten Hag’s obsession with winning, which he has seen in only a few managers.

The Brazil midfielder joined United from Real Madrid in an August deal worth up to £70 million. He previously played for Zinedine Zidane, Rafa Benitez, and Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid.

The five-time Champions League winner has worked his way into the starting lineup and has started the last eight games.

“After being in football for a while, even though I’m only 30, his obsession for winning is what surprised me the most,” Casemiro told reporters ahead of their Europa League match against Real Sociedad on Wednesday.

“I believe he has many strengths; we all know it’s a process and we’re all growing together; we want to win, and [Ten Hag] is obsessed with teaching us and making us better down to the millimetre.”

“I’ve only seen that obsession with winning with a few managers.”

With 23 points after 12 games, United is fifth in the Premier League, one point behind fourth-place Newcastle United.