Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has hailed the impact of Casemiro this season.

The Brazil midfielder has emerged as a key figure in the group, driving standards up at Carrington and setting the levels to which his teammates have to reach.

The Dutchman revealed he had a player at Ajax who also set the standards for others to follow, but that Casemiro now fulfilling the role at United.

"I had a player in Ajax who sets those standards but definitely Casemiro in this team, he is such a leader and so important for us," he said.

"Not only with his performances and skills, like scoring goals with his headers, or linking up, or intercepting balls – but his organisation, his mentality, the culture (he projects). We are so happy that we signed him."

The United manager describes players such as Casemiro and Raphael Varane as winners who will also fit into the group dynamic and their presence is giving him assurance on the touchline.

"No, absolutely not [surprised]. I knew what a magnificent player he was," Ten Hag said.

"Just look at his profile, all the cups he's won, that's not a coincidence. Like Rapha Varane and Casemiro, they won five Champions Leagues, that's not a coincidence.

"For me it's always the same, you have players who win, and who win always, and players who lose and are always losing. You have to do your research and find the type who will win and who are cooperative in the dressing room, to be humble, but when on the pitch they take responsibility.

"You can sit on the bench and you are composed because you know the players will do the job and will deal with the situation and bring you the wins."