Simon Stone

BBC Sport at Old Trafford

These are difficult times at Manchester United, with injuries decimating Erik ten Hag's squad and the external reaction to patchy form irritating the United manager.

It is at times like these he needs leaders.

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And, whilst his form has been criticised externally, Casemiro is proving to be a key man alongside Harry Maguire in central defence.

"Casemiro has only occasionally played centre-back but he has filled in and alongside Harry Maguire, done an excellent job," Ten Hag explains in his programme notes.

"He and Harry have also provided valuable experience and leadership, along with example set by Bruno game-after-game."


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