Casemiro told how he has 'surprised' people at Manchester United

Manchester United defensive midfielder Casemiro has been told he surprised people with his hunger to win since being signed by Erik ten Hag in the summer.

The Brazilian arrived at Old Trafford from Real Madrid for £60m but the deal will rise to £70m before the end of his four-year deal in Manchester. Casemiro was initially seen as a 'Plan C option' after moves for Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong and Juventus' Adrien Rabiot both fell through.

However, the 31-year-old quickly became a vital member of the United squad and proved to those that were perhaps doubting him that he was exactly what the Reds were needing this season. When asked by MEN Sport via aceodds.com about the likelihood of Casemiro one day becoming captain, ex-United defender Gary Pallister claimed that he is one of several leaders who are making the club stronger.

ALSO READ: How United have coped without Casemiro

He explained: "He's another one [who could become captain]. He's got the experience, he is a terrific professional.

"I think he's maybe surprised a few people with the hunger that he's shown when he came here. A lot of people sort of looked at his age and why he left Real Madrid, and wondered whether he would have the hunger to come and do it in the Premier League.

"But I think we've seen that, and we've seen them leadership qualities as well. I was very fortunate to play in teams that had a number of people who could've been captains.

"I think the more you have that ilk, the better chance you've got of the side being ultra-professional, if you like. So whether it be Casemiro, whether it be [Lisandro] Martinez, whether it be Bruno [Fernandes] or Harry Maguire, the more leaders you can have in the team, the better it is."

United will have to cope