I hope the combination will be great – Gilberto Silva urges Erik Ten Hag to start with Casemiro and Fred

Brazil’s former player Gilberto Silva has urged Erik Ten Hag to start with Casemiro and Fred in Manchester United’s playing XI. Casemiro recently made a move from Real Madrid in order to end Red Devils’ midfield woes.

The Brazilian started in the team’s clash against Everton but he was guilty in conceding the first goal. However, Casemiro bounced back stronger and gave a perfect assist to Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored his 700th club goal. Thus, Casemiro was also awarded the Player of the Match.

So far, Erik Ten Hag has mostly picked Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay in the starting XI in the midfield but the former Arsenal player wants his countrymen to be the Dutchman’s first preference.

Gilberto Silva told the Mirror, “He [Casemiro] can contribute a lot. He’s got quality. What he’s achieved in the last few years of his career, it’s amazing. Coming (to Manchester United), of course, it’s a new challenge. But he knows the route that brought him to success.

“I really want to see him as he has done in the national team with Fred. I hope the combination will be great. If both of them play like they do in the national team with Manchester United [they’ll do well].”

On the other hand, Casemiro has had a great career and he won five Champions League titles with Los Blancos. Furthermore, the defensive midfielder had a superb stint with the Spanish giants as he made 336 appearances, scoring 31 goals and providing 29 assists

Revealing the secret behind his success, Casemiro told Manchester United’s official website, “I look at them [stats such as ball recoveries and successful passes] a lot and I enjoy it. I think I watch through my games three or four times over. Yes, it’s the way you learn and develops by correcting errors. I think it’s key to continue evolving in football.”

“I watch a lot of football. I love it. My wife gets a bit annoyed, as there is only football on at home! Football is my passion, it’s my soul and I believe that’s been the key to my success. I love football. I love watching football.”