Paul Scholes names Casemiro quality that has surprised him for Manchester United

Former Manchester United player Paul Scholes admitted he has been pleasantly surprised by Casemiro's passing ability since his summer arrival from Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Casemiro, 30, was snapped up by Erik ten Hag for an initial €60million to address long-standing issues in that area. However, despite the outlay, the Brazilian has been made to wait for his chance in the team.

Starting for the first time in the Premier League against Everton last Sunday, Casemiro made a telling impact when providing an assist for Cristiano Ronaldo to score the winner. It was a contribution which came as a shock to United favourite Scholes given Casemiro's preceding reputation from Spain.

Renowned as a hard-nosed defensive midfielder, the 64-cap international won five Champions League medals for Real and formed part of a fearsome trio with Toni Kroos and Croatia marvel Luka Modric. While those two took up most of the limelight at the Santiago Bernabeu, there can be no denying Casemiro's quality in possession.

Casemiro is now, seemingly, set for an extended run in the starting XI.

Speaking in the BT Sport studio, Scholes said: "It was a little bit in and out and it's a tough place to go for your full debut. I think you're better having him in your team with some of his qualities going forward.

"Especially, he has surprised me with his forward passing the quality of it. When he was in that Real Madrid [squad] he was outshone by Modric and Kroos."

Scholes added: "It was a really good debut and he needs to be in the team, just the name alone, when teams look across in the tunnel and see Casemiro, Ronaldo... so much quality. I think it's overdue he's in the team and I hope he has a really good run in it."