Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has been praised for his 'elite' mentality after he played down suggestions that the club are back in a powerful statement.
The 31-year-old Brazil international, who joined United last summer following a £70 million move from Real Madrid, hit the ground running at Old Trafford.
In fact, Casemiro has been one of the club's standout players this season. He completed the joint-fourth most tackles in the Premier League this season [89] and contributed a handful of assists.
But despite a relatively successful campaign that featured a top four finish and Carabao Cup success, the experienced midfielder remains far from satisfied with their overall progress.
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Taking to Twitter on Monday, Casemiro wrote: "Thank you all for this first great season and above all for your love towards my family and towards me. I feel at home.
"I read you and I hear everyone say that Manchester United is back, but this is only the beginning of our journey.
"The greatness of this club and this shield must force us to demand more of ourselves. Much more. Here defeat is not acceptable and the glory days must return. For that I have come. Come on United!!"
The former Los Blancos midfielder has been touted as captain material by fans for not only his latest social media post, but his contribution on the whole.
One fan commented: "Casemiro you have to be the new captain of Manchester United a true leader on and off the field."
A second said: "Bruno has served the club longer and has most likely had a more significant impact on results for United over the past 3 years, but I think at the end of the day, Casemiro might be a better shout for captain."
A third added: "Spot on Casemiro, we need to win titles again and can't accept being defeated in finals. You should be our captain next season."
Speaking to The Telegraph recently, the Brazilian opened up about his season at United.
“I’m enjoying myself as if I was a 20-year-old kid,” he said. “It’s because I’m very happy here and it isn’t just me - it’s my whole family that are very happy here. The club and fans have been brilliant with me since day one.
"I love the affection I get from them. I feel their love towards me and I try to show this on the pitch by giving my all – my soul – in every game."
Casemiro's desire to get United back to the summit was on show even before his move from Madrid.
On August 13, 2022, just a week after a miserable 2-1 home defeat to Brighton, the newly-appointed Erik ten Hag watched on as goals from Josh Dasilva, Mathias Jensen, Ben Mee and Bryan Mbeumo put Brentford 4-0 after just 35 minutes.
Casemiro, meanwhile, was watching the game from his home in the Spanish capital. In fact, he sent a message to his agent, saying: “Tell them I’ll fix this”.
The midfielder had become 'fixated' on a deal to sign for the Reds and soon, negotiations would accelerate when club officials from the Premier League side travelled to Madrid to complete a deal.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Topics: Casemiro, Manchester United, Fan Reactions, Premier League
Jack Kenmare