Erik ten Hag explains how Manchester United made ‘perfect’ transfer decision in summer

Erik ten Hag described Manchester United’s signing of Casemiro in the summer as ‘perfect’ after beating Nottingham Forest 3-0 on Tuesday evening.

United moved within a point of the top four in the Premier League after goals from Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Fred made it a comfortable evening at Old Trafford.

It was central midfielder Casemiro who stole the headlines, though. He was excellent throughout and earned himself an assist in the latter stages of the game before being awarded Man of the Match.

The Reds have been without a natural defensive midfielder for a number of years. They now have one of the best.

Alongside Christian Eriksen, Casemiro has transformed United’s midfield department with his tenacity and ability to read the game better than anyone else on the pitch.

Ten Hag admitted that he identified the midfield issue when he was first appointed and showed his appreciation for the man who has came into the side.

We needed a no.6,” the manager told club media. “It is one of the decisions we made in our analysis before the season.

“We have the perfect one, we are happy with him. He has showed a lot of leadership and football skills.

“He is keeping the team together and then he is also so important in our ball playing. Winning the ball and giving the ball to the right player, like he did with the third goal.”

United travel to the Molineux on New Year’s Day to face a Wolves side that have fresh confidence after winning their first league match under new manager Julen Lopetegui.

It will be a difficult encounter but one that Ten Hag’s men need to win in order to continue their fight to finish in Champions League positions.