Casemiro dismissed speak of Manchester United being the supporting solid in what may very well be an FA Cup remaining blockbuster, insisting nobody will be certain of the ending. The vastly skilled and much-decorated midfielder acknowledged Erik ten Hag’s males face a big process in opposition to Premier League champions Manchester City.

Playing in opposition to “a very good team with a great manager and great players” might be a tricky ask, he mentioned. But he believes earlier type this season – they've shared a victory every within the league – will rely for nothing once they cross the road with psychological toughness and perception counting for many.

“We know we will have to play very well,” mentioned the 31-year-old United midfielder. “They play very good football, have a great manager, great players but every game is a different story, a different film as we like to say. City can have a great season by achieving something big but we're not thinking about City.

“We're thinking about ourselves, about winning this game. City have our complete respect but we are thinking about winning another trophy for ourselves.”Along with the presently sidelined Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro has been Ten Hag’s most vital signing this season.

Those near the primary staff insist he's beneficiant along with his time and recommendation and his instance to much less skilled gamers has been invaluable.

It would be the first time Casemiro strains up at the moment with Abide With Me ringing round Wembley within the oldest home cup competitors. Yet he'll achieve this with a remaining report that few can higher having gained each single one of many 11 main membership finals he has performed in together with 5 Champions Leagues with Real Madrid.

“Without doubt it's a significant stat but of course when you play, you want to win every single final,” he mentioned. “We know this is a completely different final against a great team but everyone connected with Manchester United would love to win it. We also know that it's a one-off game and we are really pumped up to try.”

Casemiro might have been forgiven for pondering the twilight of his profession was about to show right into a horror present when he agreed to hitch United final summer time. Watching from his residence in Madrid whereas the deal was being agreed he noticed United humiliated within the second recreation of the season by Brentford.

Ten Hag’s begin appeared to be stalling earlier than he had obtained into first gear however Casemiro had religion and instantly texted his agent “tell them I’ll fix it”. A top-four end and the Carabao Cup remaining win has seen him preserve his phrase. Asked whether or not he had any second ideas watching that 4-0 defeat, he mentioned: “No. No second thoughts at all. To be honest I did say that. I was speaking to my agent, and with John Murtough too about this afterwards.

“I’d said this after it had happened because I was also very excited. I was really upbeat about coming here and taking on this new project, this new challenge. I knew that it wouldn't be easy because it was a tough defeat to take but I think the excitement was coming here and making a change.

“There would be a lot of work to do but it wasn't just me, it was together with the staff and my team-mates. Ultimately, it's impossible for a single player to change performances but as a squad you can. Club and fans have been brilliant with me since day one. I love the affection I get from them. I’m very happy and enjoying myself as if I was a 20-year-old kid.”