Paul Scholes admits Casemiro quality has “surprised” him since Man Utd transfer

Manchester United icon Paul Scholes has confessed that he has been surprised by Casemiro’s quality on the ball following his summer switch from Real Madrid.

United struck an agreement that could eventually reach £60million for Casemiro earlier in the summer after abandoning their long-term pursuit of Frenkie de Jong. The Brazilian enforcer, who up until recently had been used sparingly by Erik ten Hag, won multiple Champions League titles with Los Blancos and is one of Europe’s most decorated midfielders.

Casemiro was the brawn in Real Madrid’s all-star midfield during his trophy-laden stint in Spain. But Scholes has been impressed by how composed the 30-year-old has been on the ball – something that he admits has caught him by surprise.

Casemiro marked his first Premier League start with an assist after threading a delightful pass through to Cristiano Ronaldo in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Everton. It was the perfect response from the midfield star, who had been caught out for the Toffees’ opener earlier in the match.

Speaking during Manchester United’s Europa League clash with Nicosia Omonia on Thursday night, Scholes told BT Sport: “It was a little bit in and out, it’s a tough place to go for your full debut. I think you’re better having him in your team, some of his qualities going forward. Especially, he surprised me with his forward passing the quality of it.

“When he was in that Real Madrid [team] he was outshone by Modric and Kroos. It was a really good debut, 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.”

The impressive form of Scott McTominay was a key factor behind Casemiro’s gradual integration into the Manchester United first-team – something Ten Hag confirmed earlier this month. The Scotsman struck up an impressive partnership alongside Christian Eriksen, who has thrived in a new, deeper midfield role since moving to Old Trafford.

But Owen Hargreaves believes there should be plenty more to come from Casemiro, who looks likely to feature alongside Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes after nudging ahead of McTominay in the pecking order.

Hargreaves told BT Sport: “You need to see him in the team with Bruno and Eriksen. Scott [McTominay] had a great start to the season and that’s why he was playing but with Casemiro, his experience, you need him there.

“I thought he played well, really well, could’ve scored one, set-up one, his passing at the base of midfield is always important for that position.”