Ten Hag makes Casemiro feelings clear after Fernandes spat

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag made it clear he values Casemiro’s leadership after the midfielder clashed with Bruno Fernandes after the club’s 1-0 win over Aston Villa on Sunday. 

 Fernandes netted the only goal of the match at Old Trafford. And it means the club are now on the verge of returning to the Champions League after their absence from the competition this campaign. 

Fernandes was impressive on Sunday, with the Portuguese star’s deflected effort in the 39th minute enough to give his team all three points. 

 But Casemiro seemed to be unhappy with his team-mate after the result, with the duo seen having a heated exchange. 

 Speaking after the match, however, Ten Hag praised Casemiro and said he valued the leadership skills of the Brazil midfielder. 

 "I think that in every season you see nobody is always playing brilliant, he played such a high level, some games with suspension his rhythm is broken and he had to get back,” said the 53-year-old.

"On Sunday it was Casemiro we’ve seen all season, he brings so much organisation, composure, determination and his leadership is so important, others go with him. 

 “We saw a determined and passionate team in the second half." 

 Ten Hag also spoke about the way Casemiro played during the game, too. The former Real Madrid player often looked to play the ball forward, over the top of a high Aston Villa line. 

Ten Hag added: "It was definitely one of our ideas for this game, to pass the ball and play the ball behind, but also the formation, the lads did great in that organisation attacking wise. 

 "It can always be better, the timing was not always perfect, with our speed we do it in the right way, we created chances and have to score more, we know that."