Published 15:43 8 May 2024 GMT+1

Casemiro has seemingly made clear who Manchester United should hire if they decide to sack Erik ten Hag.

Dutchman Ten Hag is under increasing pressure at Old Trafford after their disappointing 23/24 season.

On Monday, the Red Devils fell to a dismal 4-0 defeat against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, leaving them with an uphill battle in the race for European football.

Currently, United are eighth in the Premier League table, 13 points off fourth-placed Aston Villa and 29 points adrift of leaders Arsenal.

As a result, Ten Hag’s future has been plunged into darkness, the likes of Gareth Southgate, Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter and Zinedine Zidane have all been linked with a move to Old Trafford in the summer.

Speaking about Zidane in a previous interview with The Guardian, United midfielder Casemiro has already given his seal of approval as he spoke positively about the France 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 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.”

Featured Image Credit: TNT Sports