"Start every game" - Erik ten Hag told £60m+ star must not be dropped

Former Man United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has explained why Erik ten Hag must start Casemiro in every game following his summer move from Real Madrid.

The Brazilian, who won five Champions League titles whilst with Los Blancos, joined United in August after nine years in Spain.

The Red Devils shelled out an initial fee of £60 million to bring the 30-year-old to the club. He was presented to the Old Trafford faithful before their 2-1 win over Liverpool.

In his first official interview, Casemiro told United's official website that he wanted to help the club "win games and win trophies".

But it did take the Brazilian time to get up to speed in the Premier League. Erik ten Hag introduced him to regular first-team football slowly, with the 30-year-old starting only one of the first six games he was available for.

Casemiro has since started each of United's last five wins. He operated as part of a two-player midfield, alongside Fred, in the 2-0 win over Tottenham on Wednesday.

With the £60m man now firmly established as a first-choice player now, BT Sport pundit Hargreaves believe it must stay that way.

Owen Hargreaves on Casemiro

Speaking to Premier League Productions (quotes via Metro), Hargreaves said: "Casemiro is the one that's going to come and stay. He's going to play all the time.

"Martinez, with Varane and Casemiro in front of De Gea, that four seems like a really solid block.

"I think if they can keep clean sheets, with the attacking players they have, I know Ronaldo didn't start, didn't come on and didn't come off the bench, and wasn't happy about it.

"The point is the team look really settled [against Spurs], defending, in possession and attacking, so that bodes well.

"Casemiro is going to play. That's a fact. He looks so natural in there, and when you've won the Champions League five times, you probably have a right to start every game."

United fans will hope Casemiro can help them continue their four-match unbeaten run this weekend, when the side travels to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea.

Ten Hag's side will enter the Premier League top four with a win, which would give the Red Devils plenty to be optimistic about.