At Manchester United, the best praise a defender can receive is "like Roy Keane". And if that compliment comes from Scholes and Keane's longest-standing partner, it's even more precious. Casemiro, who just turned 30 years old, received this praise from Scholes.
Since leaving Real Madrid to join Manchester United, Casemiro, who has just turned 31, has used his outstanding performances to dispel doubts that fans have passed his peak. He may no longer be at his best, but he is still the defensive back the Reds need most. The Fat Tigers can eliminate defensive hazards before the line of defense, and then quickly and accurately transition the ball to the midfield.
"Casemiro is truly incredible," Scholes said, "he has a wealth of experience, winning various titles at Real Madrid, and is invaluable to United's young players. He's like a coach on the pitch and you've seen the difference in the squad when he's in the main squad."
Scholes said Casemiro's performance was also unexpected. "I think he's underrated, but he's actually a good passer, which surprised me a little." The Manchester United star added: "Because you see at Real Madrid it's all Modric and Toni Kroos, but the Brazilian boy can too."
Prince Ginger stressed that the role of the fat tiger is not just to defend. "I've heard people say many times that he's probably the best defensive midfielder, but I don't think he's a defensive midfielder. He's the back that United need, he can be involved in all aspects and you see him everywhere on the pitch, defending, controlling the game. He's probably the closest player you can find to Keane (as you're going to get). I think he's smart and I don't think it's enough to describe his role fairly when he holds the midfield."
Scholes mentioned that Casemiro played very intelligently, which confirmed a detail disclosed by the British media when Brazil just announced the £80 million transfer to Manchester United. It is said that Casemiro always asks the analysis team for relevant data and videos before each match, analyzing the players and referees he will face. This characteristic was also fully demonstrated in the Europa League scene in Manchester United's 2-1 victory over Barca.
During the battle between Manchester United and Barcelona, Bruno Fernandes kicked the ball over Dutch midfielder Frankie de Jong, who was brought down by teammate Wan-Bissaka, which caused a physical altercation between the two sides. Casemiro was also up front, rushing to the scene of the incident, ready to maintain his midfield partner. However, after seeing more and more players running over, Fat Tiger unexpectedly stopped. He knew that the B fee would be protected enough so he didn't need to get involved, so he walked slowly to the center circle and stood in front of De Gea, ready to continue the game.
This scene caused laughter from fans, and it is known that Casemiro was not long ago involved in the conflict between Anthony and Schlup in the Manchester United and Crystal Palace match, and was finally shown his first red card for "locking his throat" Hughes, and was suspended for three games, so he learned his lesson and did not repeat the mistakes of the past.
Another image of the Manchester United and Barca match fully reflects Casemiro's role in Manchester United's midfield. In first-half stoppage time, De Gea made a pass error in front of goal, but fortunately the Fat Tigers saw the crisis in time, defended behind Lisandro Martinez, and defused the danger with a tackle to avoid the team from trailing by two goals.
Another former Manchester United defender, Owen Hargreaves, said that in addition to Keane, Casemiro also has the Scholes factor. "His biggest difference is that the first pass is always forward. He can disrupt opposing attacks, but if you look closely, you'll see that he always passes forward, which is the best Scholes has done in the past. At that time, Fergus always said that when the attack and defense transitioned, if you can play as far forward as possible. So I agree with Scholes that Casemiro's pass was overlooked, but maybe that's a good thing."
Van Persie believes a veteran of the championship like Casemiro can guide United through difficulties. "Casemiro, Varane, they are all winners and can get their teammates through the difficult times of the game. They are calm and even after falling behind, you still think they can turn around and that's the mark of a top team."
Casemiro's versatility makes him easily compatible with different partners such as Erikson, B Fei, and Fred. So far, the only thing he hasn't partnered with is new signing Sabitzer.
With the help of the Fat Tiger Queen, Fred scored four goals and assisted four times in 18 games after the World Cup in Qatar, which is a huge improvement considering that Fred was only involved in 11 goals from last season to the World Cup.
Interestingly, the Brazilian back-up pair have been directly involved in 18 goals this season, more than United's two South American wingers, Alejandro Garnacho and Anthony (15).
B Fei also praised Casemiro and Varane and Lima by name for their positive impact on the dressing room. "It's clear that Casemiro can both find a passing point and cover a lot of space behind his teammates. He gives you the freedom to stand higher, take more risks and approach the opponent's box because you know he'll cover. At the same time, he also scored and assisted in the right position. He has a good mentality and although he doesn't speak English very well, he can talk to his team-mates in football and help everyone."
The Manchester United captain said Casemiro was also a role model for his team-mates: "He was a very important part of us and improved the team. Most importantly, he improves teammates in the positions around him and stimulates you to promote yourself. Because he won so many important trophies at Real Madrid, he is still full of desire and passion, and you know that you still have a long way to go."
Casemiro has made 32 appearances this season, scoring four goals and providing five assists and is determined to win his first trophy with Manchester United this Sunday. "I want to be known at Manchester United as a trophy-winning player." Casemiro said: "That's all that matters, we know it's hard to win, especially in the Premier League, all games are not easy. I'm not taking La Liga lightly, but the game in England is more difficult. However, I hope to win important races and win championships. Of course it's not easy, we all know it's the most difficult league in the world, but that's why I want to succeed."