Erik ten Hag sticks up for under-fire Casemiro after positive display in Man Utd's Community Shield defeat to Man City

Last season, the Brazil international was a shadow of the player he once was, with Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher even suggesting the 32-year-old should retire. However, after an encouraging performance against Manchester City on Saturday in the Community Shield, manager Ten Hag has sung the former Real Madrid star's praises.

He told United's website: "He has a pre-season so he is very fit in this moment. I think, as a team, we work good together and I think that makes it for Case very easy. Then he can bring his skills in and then you can see his importance for the game and for our team."

Ten Hag added: "He is a big leader for us and very important for the team. Attacking, defending, we are together."

Although Casemiro showed he can still be a quality player on his day, the challenge will be maintaining those high standards over the course of the season. The Brazilian was often one of many weak links for United last term, so it remains to be seen if this display was just a flash in the pan, or the start of a positive trend.

Midfielder Casemiro will get another chance to shine for United when they return to Premier League action on Friday night against Fulham at Old Trafford. Eight days later, they travel to Brighton to round off August.