In a recent interview, Steve McLaren shed light on the admiration Brazilian midfielder Casemiro has for Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag. The veteran coach, who has extensive experience in football management and has worked alongside top professionals, discussed how Casemiro, who joined Manchester United from Real Madrid in 2022, was taken aback by the depth and tactical understanding displayed by Ten Hag. According to McLaren, Casemiro, a player who has achieved nearly everything in football and been part of one of the most successful teams in the world, found himself surprised by the intricacy of the football strategies put forth by the Dutch manager.
Casemiro, who spent the prime years of his career at Real Madrid, winning multiple UEFA Champions League titles and La Liga trophies, was thought to have already been exposed to the best minds in football. At Real Madrid, he played under some of the most respected coaches in the world, including Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane. These managers, both considered tactical geniuses in their own right, helped shape Casemiro into one of the best defensive midfielders in modern football. Having played alongside the likes of Luka Modrić, Toni Kroos, and Cristiano Ronaldo, Casemiro had seen top-tier football up close. It would be natural to assume that after spending years with some of the game’s best tacticians and teammates, there would be little that could surprise him.
However, when Casemiro arrived at Old Trafford, he encountered something that left him in awe. McLaren described how, during his first experiences under Ten Hag, Casemiro was impressed by the level of detail that the manager brought into his tactical sessions. McLaren mentioned that Casemiro, a player with a wealth of experience from his years at the pinnacle of European football, had remarked how he thought he had already seen everything there was to see in terms of tactical insight. Yet, Ten Hag’s approach was something entirely new to him. This was surprising, considering the elite footballing environments Casemiro had been part of, where managers typically place an immense focus on tactics and strategies.
Ten Hag, who made his mark in the football world through his successful tenure at Ajax, is known for his meticulous planning and a highly structured approach to football. His philosophy revolves around building a cohesive unit that functions seamlessly both defensively and offensively. Under his guidance, Ajax reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in 2019, showcasing their ability to compete against Europe’s elite. When Ten Hag took the reins at Manchester United, he brought the same level of detail and tactical depth that had made him successful in the Netherlands.
Casemiro, who was used to a more fluid system at Real Madrid, likely found Ten Hag’s structured style to be something refreshing. The Brazilian’s role at United, while similar to his position at Madrid, came with a new level of responsibility in implementing Ten Hag’s vision on the pitch. His surprise at the tactical depth Ten Hag demonstrated highlights how even the most seasoned players can still learn and adapt to new systems under different managerial styles.
McLaren’s comments about Casemiro’s reaction underscore how Ten Hag has brought a fresh approach to Manchester United, one that even world-class players like Casemiro can appreciate. Despite his wealth of experience and success, Casemiro continues to be challenged in new ways under Ten Hag’s leadership, demonstrating the Dutch manager’s tactical prowess and his ability to manage even the most
accomplished players.
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