'He's a great player!' – Casemiro singles out potential Man Utd midfield partner

Manchester United new boy Casemiro appears to be in little doubt about the player he would like to line up alongside in the Red Devils’ midfield, singling out Fred and hailing him as a ‘great player’.

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The 30-year-old completed a £59.5million move from Real Madrid to Old Trafford this week and was unveiled to supporters on Monday night prior to the side’s 2-1 victory over fierce rivals Liverpool.

Manager Erik ten Hag opted to start Scott McTominay alongside Christian Eriksen, with Bruno Fernandes lining up further ahead of them, with Fred only making the bench.

The Brazilian made the final three-man shortlist for United’s Player of the Year last season and has generally been one of few consistent performers during a difficult time for the club.

But his omission against Liverpool, coupled with the arrival of Casemiro and United’s long-standing interest in Frenkie de Jong, has created question marks over his role in the team going forward.

Casemiro, though, is in no doubt about Fred’s talent and is looking forward to replicating their partnership for the Brazilian national team at Old Trafford, while he also feels his compatriot’s presence will help him settle in to life in Manchester much quicker.

Asked about his countryman, Casemiro told MUTV in his first interview after joining: ‘Well, before coming here I spoke to Fred.

‘He’s a friend who I’ve played alongside in the national team for a good number of games and years. I know him well.

‘He’s a great player and that’s why he plays for Manchester United and for the Brazilian national team, which is difficult to get into.

‘So, I have a special relationship with him and of course he’s a great player and that’s why he plays for Manchester United.’

Asked what makes Fred such a good player in his view, Casemiro replied: ‘Well, Fred has a lot of qualities.

‘I think he’s a player that has good movement. He’s very mobile, passes the ball well, he has a good shot on him, he can play with both feet, left or right, he can pass the ball well with either foot. He’s a great player.

‘Again, that’s why he plays for the Brazil and he’s a very important player at this club and I think he’ll help me a great deal as he’s Brazilian. I think he’ll help me a lot at the club and without doubt it’s important for me to have another Brazilian here, too.’

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