How Manchester United are changing their midfield from short-term to long-term

Erik ten Hag refused to dwell on the past. "Last season was last season," he said at a reporter's mention of the FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City.

A few minutes later, he responded to a question on Casemiro by dwelling on last season. "I think we needed the six when I arrived here and last season Casemiro was fantastic," Ten Hag enthused.

"I don't think he ever scored so many goals as well but as a six, a holding midfielder, a strategist, he was so important for the team."

Casemiro was the difference in United qualifying for the Champions League. He nodded home in the League Cup final and got the ball rolling with another headed opener on the night United secured a top four finish against Chelsea.

READ MORE: Ten Hag gives update on Sancho's future as he defends Casemiro

READ MORE: Garnacho apologises for liking tweets criticising Ten Hag

Marcus Rashford inevitably added the Sir Matt Busby statue to his trophy room but Casemiro would have been as worthy a recipient. He and Ten Hag sat side-by-side in San Sebastian for a pre-match press conference and were kindred spirits.

"After being in football for quite a while, despite the fact I am only 30, the obsession for winning, his (Ten Hag's) obsession for winning is what surprised me the most," Casemiro confessed.

Player and manager have suffered an acute case of second season syndrome. Casemiro is on his last legs and the FA Cup final could be his last dance in elite football.

"This season, he struggled with a bad injury he never had in his career," Ten Hag added on Friday. "But I know he is such a winner - see his career.

"All his career, he always won. Everywhere where he was there will be success and I trust he will give us also the success and I know he will