“I want to be known here as a player who wins championships.” Casemiro of Manchester United is frank about his goals for the Premier League team.
The 31-year-old provided a fascinating glimpse into his mindset and what makes him such a unique player in an interview for TeamViewer’s Player Diaries through manutd.com.
“We know it’s hard to win titles … but I want to win titles and important games here. Especially because we’re talking about the most difficult league in the world.”
Since joining United from Real Madrid in the summer, the Brazilian has completely changed the team’s midfield. He is largely regarded as one of the finest defensive midfielders in the world, if not the best.
He has quickly and easily adapted to the rigours of the fast-paced Premier League, but he admits that it has been more difficult than playing in Spain.
“I’m not trying to underestimate La Liga, but the games here are much more difficult, there’s a higher number of transitions,” he said.
“In Spain, they usually prefer tiki-taka football as they call it there. Here there are more transitions, more attacking moves.”
Casemiro was all smiles as he spoke about manager Erik ten Tag, who he recognised constantly pushes players to go better.
“I can’t let my guard down, I have to keep working hard,” he said, saying that the maximum is expected of him not just on the pitch, but in training as well.
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Casemiro full of praise for Erik Ten Hag
The Brazilian noted that when a manager on Ten Hag’s “level” talks positively about him, it is “rewarding.”
“He’s a very demanding manager. He strives for perfection … It’s important for a manager to be like that. To be obsessed with winning,” he said.
In the interview, Casemiro mentioned a variety of players but singled out Bruno Fernandes as United’s best player.
“Before coming to Manchester United, I’d turn on the TV and watch their games…and he was the best player,” he beamed.
“He’s one of the guys that helps up front and midfield, he is part of that transition. He’s our best player there.”
The Brazilian has adapted to life at Old Trafford so easily, and he affirmed what everyone could see: that he is happy there with his colleagues, the supporters, the staff, and the club.
“I feel at home as if it was the first day,” he said.
“I also want to be known as a good person here at the club. To be known as someone with character, as a good person, that’s also important.”
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