Casemiro has thanked Ronaldo for helping him settle (Picture: Getty)
Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has paid tribute to the ‘exceptional’ Cristiano Ronaldo for helping him settle into life at Old Trafford.
Following his £60million arrival from Real Madrid, the Brazil international started his first four games for the club on the bench.
Having been afforded some time to acclimate to the Premier League, the 30-year-old has firmly established himself in the heart of midfield, turning in outstanding displays in the win over Tottenham last week and away to Chelsea on Saturday.
Casemiro joined former Real Madrid teammates Raphael Varane and Ronaldo in Manchester and while the latter has not featured regularly in the first-team – dropped from the squad at the weekend after storming down the tunnel early against Spurs – the midfielder has thanked the Portuguese for his role in helping him settle in.
‘First of all, Cris is a great friend of ours, he has always helped us from the moment we arrived,’ Casemiro said alongside fellow Brazilian Antony in an United with United’s official website.
‘He is an exceptional person, I already knew him from Real Madrid, we have worked together for a long time.’
Ronaldo’s only top flight goal this season came against Everton, slotting the winner past Jordan Pickford after being played through by Casemiro.
Casemiro was superb in the draw against Chelsea (Picture: Getty)
Ronaldo’s ‘sleeping’ celebration – a nod to the position he takes when drifting off on the team bus – was a rare occasion of him being in the headlines for the right reasons this season and was enjoyed by the rest of the squad.
‘We know his traditional celebration, his famous ‘SIIUUUU!’, it is his main celebration, though it is good to mix up your celebrations as well,’ Casemiro said. ‘The more goals he scores for us the better.’
Erik ten Hag opted to unleash Casemiro following United’s 6-3 mauling at the hands of Manchester City.
Since then, they are undefeated with Owen Hargreaves declaring the serial Champions League winner undroppable.
‘Casemiro is the one that’s going to come and stay, he’s going to play all the time,’ the former United midfielder said.
‘Martinez with Varane and Casemiro in front with De Gea that four seems like a really solid block.’
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Casemiro has backed his former Real Madrid teammate.