Erik ten Hag speaks out on Casemiro’s future after impressive Community Shield display | Football

The 32-year-old had an impressive first season at Old Trafford in 2022/23, but the last campaign was a struggle as he suffered with injuries and was also played out of position at centre-back at times.

The former Real Madrid star has been touted with a move to Saudi Arabia this summer, but has featured regularly for Manchester United over pre-season and started in Sunday’s Community Shield.

The Brazilian played really well in the middle of the park against Manchester City, certainly not looking like a spent force as the game ended 1-1 and the Premier League champions triumphed on penalties.

He certainly showed that he will be a useful asset this season if he does stay with the Red Devils and Ten Hag seemed to share that feeling after the match.

‘Casemiro? I don’t think it is about the system. Since a long time he has a pre-season so he is very fit in the moment,’ said the Dutchman.

‘As a team we work very well and that is easier for Casemiro. He is a great player and can bring his skillset. He is very important for our team.’

On whether the midfielder will remain at Old Trafford, Ten Hag said: ‘I don’t have any signal he won’t stay at the club. We are very happy with that.’

Ten Hag was very happy with his team’s performance in general at Wembley, disappointed to lose out on another trophy, but hopeful that confidence will be boosted ahead of the Premier League season.

Asked for positives, he told ITV: ‘That we managed to be on an equal level with [Man] City. By getting [Marcus] Rashford high on the pitch and good defending, we did that very well.

We got pressure in the ball and also in possession, in the overloading situation in the midfield we had some very good spells, very good play-throughs and created chances from this so there are many positives we can take.’

He added: ‘The positive we can take out of this is we can compete with City. We have to take this belief into the league.’