Elanga and Casemiro Performed bravely in Man Utd's 1-0 win over West Ham at Old Trafford.
![Man United boss Ten Hag praises Casemiro and Elanga. [Getty]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/70fb8e_1f18b5f1eb074607a51526d4dab84ee1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_630,h_252,al_c,q_80,enc_auto/70fb8e_1f18b5f1eb074607a51526d4dab84ee1~mv2.jpg)
Former Los Blancos star Casemiro has become a regular starter in Ten Hag's Man Utd team.
Manager Erik ten Hag has lauded the impact of Manchester United star Casemiro, suggesting that the Bazil midfield marshal is like a 'cement' that makes the Red Devils bond together on the pitch.
The 30-year-old, who moved from LaLiga champions Real Madrid to Old Trafford during the summer, continued his impressive displays in Man United's 1-0 win over West Ham on Sunday as he partnered Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes in midfield.
Casemiro makes a difference.
'I call him the cement in the midfield,' Ten Hag said in his post-match press conference as Manutd.com quoted.
'I think in and out of possession, he makes such a difference and he gives the team [an] extra edge and helps them dominate.
'I say in and out of possession because he can dominate games and he gives the team [that] extra edge to help dominate in the game.'
The Dutchman continued: 'He can also read the game and he helps the players by pointing them into the right positions,' added the boss. 'He is anticipating both in and out of possession and also he sees the pass between the lines.
'One of the highlights in the game was his pass to [Diogo] Dalot in the first half. 'He is a top player, and I am really happy to have him here.'
Elanga has big potential.
Another player Ten Hag amplified praise for is Sweden international Anthony Elanga, who returned to the starting lineup in the absence of Antony.
The homegrown winger started his fourth league match of the 2022-23 season, and the United boss insists that the 20-year-old will have a huge imprint going forward.
"He's doing well, and he's a young guy," said Ten Hag to Viaplay Sweden. "Last year, he came in for a lot of games, and this year, obviously, I would say it's normal to drop down in minutes.
"But you can see today he's quite mature, and I was happy with his performance. His runs behind were good, he was composed on the ball, his pressing was good. His performance today was good. You can see the power lacked a little bit, like when you don't have a run of games.
"I'm happy to work with him. He has big potential. I think he can have a really good position in world football."
When asked if he was convinced by Elanga's qualities and the prospect of a bright future, he answered: "I am definitely sure because he is a great kid to work with. Always positive, and I think his brightness, his positive attitude, and by working hard, he has the capabilities so now we have to improve that."
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