Casemiro loves leadership role at Manchester United

Brazil's midfielder Casemiro drinks water during a training session at the RCDE Stadium in Cornella de Llobregat on June 16, 2023, on the eve of of the friendly football match between Brazil and Guinea. (Photo by Pau BARRENA / AFP) (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images)

Casemiro joined Manchester United last year and quickly adapted into a leadership role in the dressing room.

The Brazilian midfielder has revealed that he loves being the leader at United, even if he is not thinking about the captain’s armband.

When asked about how he felt being a leader at United, Casemiro told Placar (cited by Goal): “I like having this role, yes, to be honest. Being a leader, caring, being like a father, going after things, I like to set an example, to be the first to arrive, I like to play this role. The captain’s [armband] is nothing more than a symbol, but the players have the responsibility to talk to the referee, to the players — I like to be that example player.”

What does this mean for Harry Maguire?

Well, it changes nothing because Erik ten Hag still has to name a new captain. He left Maguire keep the armband last season, while Bruno Fernandes wore it in his absence.

However, Casemiro has now made it very clear that he would be interested in becoming club captain. Ten Hag needs multiple leaders on the pitch — not just a captain — and we hope that our new signings that contribute to that.

Maguire has been linked with a move away from the club this summer and if he stays, Ten Hag should take away the captain’s armband from him.

Meanwhile, Casemiro and other senior players are due to return for pre-season training this week. The friendly match against Leeds on Wednesday will come too soon for those players.

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