Casemiro knows the clubs that are a threat to Man Utd's long-term success
Manchester United midfielder Casemiro believes the club will have to overcome three threats to achieve long-term success in the Premier League.
United haven't won the title since 2013, the final season of Sir Alex Ferguson's legendary managerial reign at Old Trafford.
Their last trophy, in general, was in 2017 when Jose Mourinho captured the Carabao Cup and Europa League. It means the club are currently on their longest trophy drought in over 40 years.
In recent months, things have started to look better under Erik ten Hag. United are currently fourth in the Premier League and are yet to be knocked out of any competition this season.
Advert
Compare that to last term, when the Red Devils were already out of both domestic cups and massive underdogs in a Champions League round of 16 tie against Atletico Madrid.
Ten Hag's gone about rebuilding United's side with several signings, but none have been as influential as Casemiro. The former Real Madrid man won the lot during his time in the Spanish capital, including three La Liga titles and five Champions Leagues.
If anyone knows what it means to be successful, it's Casemiro. He's keen for United to keep their feet firmly one the ground as they strive to become one of the best teams in the land once again.
The 30-year-old said: "When you arrive at a new club, you always dream of making history… especially if we see the greatness of this club.
"We know the history. But of course, I was aware of needing some time to adapt and of the rivals having a long-term plan before ours, like Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool.
"They all have managers that have been there for a while and, therefore, they have an advantage. I’m happy with my adaptation here, my teammates and the staff are really helping me… also with the English language, it’s been quite hard but I’m really trying to get better.
"Everyone here has been lovely with me and since the first day I feel at home here. I appreciate all the effort that the club has done to bring me here, John (Murtough, United’s director of football) included.
"I’m very comfortable at Manchester United, extremely happy to be here and enjoying every moment like a 15-year-old kid! But the most important (thing) is to see the team growing."
Casemiro scored twice in United's 3-1 win over Reading in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday evening. His first was a lovely dink over goalkeeper Joe Lumley, while his second was a first-time effort from just outside the box.
United return to action against Nottingham Forest in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday evening. They currently lead the tie 3-0 following a comfortable victory at the City Ground last week.
Daniel Marland