Casemiro has already ‘told’ Man Utd who they should replace Erik ten Hag with next season

Erik ten Hag is under increasing pressure at Manchester United.

Casemiro appears to have indicated his preference for Manchester United’s next manager in the event of Erik ten Hag’s potential dismissal.

With Dutchman Ten Hag facing mounting scrutiny at Old Trafford following their disappointing 2023/24 campaign, the pressure has intensified.

Following their dismal 4-0 loss to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Monday, the Red Devils find themselves facing a tough challenge in the race for European football.

Presently, Manchester United occupies the eighth position in the Premier League standings, trailing fourth-placed Aston Villa by 13 points and leader Arsenal by 29 points. Consequently, there is uncertainty surrounding Ten Hag’s future, with names like Gareth Southgate, Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, and Zinedine Zidane being mentioned as potential successors for the managerial position at Old Trafford.

In a recent interview with The Guardian, United midfielder Casemiro expressed admiration for Zidane, indicating his support for the French legend.

He said: “Even today I get a little nervous talking to him. I tell him he doesn’t know what he meant for us, for me.

“Yeah, I tell him that: you took ‘98 away but it didn’t change anything. Also, knowing him now, I can say he deserves it. He’s incredible: the humility, how he expresses football. He treats us with so much affection and love.”

Casemiro added: “He’s very insistent; he always, always says: ‘Case, you can do more: arrive from the second line, feed midfielders, bring the ball out cleanly.’ This year, maybe I’ve had more protagonism with the ball, but I still know my job: rob the ball, give it to my teammates.

“But Zizou is pesado, heavy going: always talking to me, wanting more. He says: ‘I’m not asking you to do something you can’t do; I’m asking you to do something you can.’ He trusts me a lot.”

Speaking after the defeat by Palace, Ten Hag has vowed to continue fighting at the club.

He said: “I will keep fighting. I prepared the team in the best way I could do. It was not good enough, I have to take responsibility for that but I will find energy and prepare them for Sunday’s game.”