Erik ten Hag explains what Casemiro brings to Manchester United off the pitch

Erik ten Hag believes Casemiro's attitude is helping construct a winning mentality at Manchester United.

United's long wait for a trophy finally came to an end on Sunday after Newcastle United were defeated 2-0 at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final. Casemiro himself got the opening goal as he headed in Luke Shaw's free-kick before the red-hot Marcus Rashford sealed the win with the help of a deflection.

There was little rest for the Brazilian lynchpin as on Monday he jetted off to France to pick up his award for being named in the FIFPro Team of the Year alongside the likes of Lionel Messi, Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe. The trophy will go nicely with his Player of the Match award from the final and while Ten Hag is of little doubt the accolades show Casemiro's quality on the pitch, it's what he brings off it that has also impressed the manager.

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“Yeah, of course," he replied when asked by United's in-house media if the rewards prove Casemiro is world-class. "I think we are so proud of him.

"I think he showed how important he is and how he contributes to our team - in the dressing room, not only on the pitch. He is important, everyone can see that, but also around to construct the climate which is necessary to win trophies, and he is showing by example the squad all the example on Sunday. And it’s great to work with him.

"We are so happy with that, it’s a big reward, I’m so happy for him to be rewarded to be in the World Team of the Year. That is really a reward and so wonderful.”

Ten Hag was determined to claim a trophy as soon as possible after taking over at Old Trafford as he looked to improve the club's confidence and temperament. The Dutchman also explained