ERIK’S HUNGER SEPARATES HIM FROM THE REST
Casemiro claims Ten Hag’s obsession to win is rare
R SOCIEDAD V MAN UTD 5.45PM, BT SPORT
CASEMIRO claims Erik ten Hag’s obsession with winning sets him apart from the world’s other top coaches.
The midfielder quit Real Madrid in the summer to join Manchester United and says the manager’s burning desire to rekindle the glory days was a big factor in his decision.
Casemiro, right, is hungry for more trophies, despite winning five Champions Leagues with Real, and knows Ten Hag shares his vision.
The Brazil international has worked with great coaches, such as Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane, and believes Ten Hag stands out.
“His obsession for winning is something I have seen in very few managers,” Casemiro said.
“He’s got many strengths. We all know it’s a process and we’re growing together and we can all see he wants to win.
“His obsession for teaching and leaving everything perfect to the millimetre, that’s key.”
United are unbeaten in the eight games Casemiro has started since their 6-3 defeat by Manchester City – and Ten Hag says he likes the 30-yearold’s hunger.
The manager knew that signing a serial winner was ideal as he bids to restore the club’s fortunes. Ten Hag said: “He told me when we had the first talk that he needs a new challenge because with Real he won everything.
“They didn’t want him to go.
“But he had the feeling he had to go to another club, another league, to prove himself.
“I really like that and, from the first day, he has brought that to every match.
“He will be more and more important to our team. I said it the other day, he is the cement between the stones, in and out of possession you see him growing game-by-game.” Despite United’s advances under him, Ten Hag is reluctant to accept any plaudits.
He knows that trophies are the measuring stick of success at Old Trafford. “We are really happy with the process but we have to keep it going,” said Ten Hag. “We’re not satisfied. Good is not good enough, we have to do better.
“You don’t speak in the autumn about how far you’ve come. You can’t win anything in this moment of the season.”
United need to beat Real Sociedad by two clear goals tonight to avoid a play-off in February against a third-placed Champions League side such as Barcelona, Ajax or Sporting Lisbon.
Ten Hag is keen to pip the Basque team to first place in Group E and avoid those two extra games.
But he will be undaunted if United do end up in the play-offs.
“It’s clear you could face a heavy opponent but we like those challenges,” he said. “If you want to win the trophy, you have to beat everyone.”
MANCHESTER UNITED (probable): De Gea; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Malacia; Casemiro, Eriksen; Elanga, Fernandes, Rashford; Ronaldo.