Erik ten Hag explains how Casemiro has exceeded expectations at Man Utd

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag went on a lengthy monologue when describing just how well Casemiro has performed in his first season at the club.

The Brazilan scored a superb improvised overhead kick as the Red Devils ran out 1-0 winners at Bournemouth on Saturday, meaning they need just one point from their final two games - at home to Chelsea and then Fulham - in order to qualify for the Champions League.

Though he has had more than his fair share of disciplinary problems this season, Casemiro has largely cemented his status as one of the Premier League's top midfielders.

Despite the player's reputation as a five-time Champions League winnner coming from Real Madrid, Erik tek was asked at his post-match press conference whether he thought Casemiro had even managed to 'exceed expectations' since arriving at Old Trafford.

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"Absolutely, by far," Ten Hag asserted.

"One of the things came out of our analysis was that we missed a player in the midfield, we studied this and we searched for this, it was not easy because there are not many in the profile who fits to the standard of Manchester United.

"We are happy we found him and his contribution is massive. I think even you miss him over eight or nine games through suspension - in the start of the season he wasn't even there, but when he plays, you bring balance to the midfield and we've had a lot of wins with this midfield.

"He keeps surprising you. He's such a brilliant football player. We know him as very good with organisation, anticipation, winning duels, fighting and keeping the team together but in possession his passing distribution and finishing is very important."

Man Utd record with Casemiro vs without Casemiro

As mentioned, Casemiro has missed a considerable chunk of the Premier League season - seven games, to be precise - due to suspensions alone.

When he's out of the team, Man Utd clearly lack a much-needed backbone in midfield. The stats back up the eye test.