Erik ten Hag already knew Casemiro would shine for Brazil at World Cup

Erik ten Hag knew that Casemiro would play a vital role for Brazil at the World Cup, after he labelled the 30-year-old as Manchester United's "cement in the midfield".

Casemiro has been sensational for Brazil during the World Cup in Qatar. The Brazilian has been pivotal for the Selecao, as he continues to stand out in a team full of jaw-dropping attacking talent.

Tite's side might well be known for their flicks, tricks and flair - but the United man has commanded their midfield with an authoritative string of performances. Casemiro has also shown his versatility, as he scored Brazil's winner late on during their 1-0 win group stage win over Switzerland.

Ten Hag would have been delighted to watch as Casemiro scored with a searing outside-of-the-foot strike in the 83rd minute to claim all three points for Brazil against the Swiss. The Dutchman has not hidden the need for his midfielders to score more goals, yet the work that the former Real Madrid man does in the middle of the pitch is far more important.

The holding midfielder has kept Liverpool's Fabinho out of the side with his recent performances, as he continues to earn plaudits for his stellar World Cup campaign. Casemiro has been praised by virtually everyone involved in the Brazil setup, including the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Zinho and even legendary striker Ronaldo.

Yet Ten Hag would have foreseen this coming, as he knew how vital a role Casemiro would have for his national side after waxing lyrical over his United man earlier this season.

He said: ''I call him the cement in the midfield. I think in and out of possession, he makes such a difference and he gives the team [an] extra edge and helps them dominate.

''I say in and out of possession because he can dominate games and he gives the team [that] extra edge to help dominate in the game."

Casemiro has shrugged off any doubts that he moved to Old Trafford to put his feet up in his twilight years. He has shown a level of commitment and desire that United's midfield had sorely missed.

Ten Hag knew that the critics were wrong about his new signing before his move, as he revealed just how motivated the Brazilian was from the outset.

Ten Hag said: "He [Casemiro] told me he needs a new challenge because at Real Madrid he won everything. They didn't want him to go but he had the feeling 'I have to go to another club, another league to prove myself' and that shows his hunger. I really like that.

"From the first day he [Casemiro] has come with that attitude in every training, every match and I really like it. He will be more and more important to our team. You see him [Casemiro] growing game to game and also our team is growing so we're really happy with the progress but we have to keep that process going. We are not satisfied and we have to keep getting better."

Although the level of adulation for Casemiro following his fine performances for Brazil will have caught some people off guard, Ten Hag was certainly not one of them.