Casemiro was left stunned by the tactical knowledge of Erik ten Hag when he joined Manchester United from Real Madrid, former coach Steve McClaren has revealed. The experienced midfielder has worked under the best coaches during a trophy-laden career but even he has learned under the 'meticulous' Dutchman.
McClaren returned to United in 2022 and spent two years on Ten Hag's coaching staff until he left during the summer. The former England manager is now in charge of the Jamaica national team.
But he has eulogised about his former boss's tactical mind and believes even the likes of Casemiro have learned plenty under the ex-Ajax chief. The veteran coach claims Casemiro was amazed by the level of tactical nous Ten Hag has displayed at Old Trafford, despite results not always going the Red Devils' way.
McClaren told the Telegraph: "Casemiro couldn't believe the detail and the tactical knowledge that he [Ten Hag] had. He [Casemiro] thought he had seen it all at Real Madrid.
"That's what I valued in that first year at Twente. Erik helped me bed into the club. Every session planned, every drinks' break. Meticulous. [Even down to] What you had to wear. Socks up or down."
McClaren enjoyed a long-term working relationship with Ten Hag, having also worked with the United boss at Dutch outfit Twente, who the Red Devils face in the Europa League tonight. He claims Ten Hag can see tactical elements during matches that others cannot.
The 63-year-old said: "Erik's a wonderful tactician. He can see things happening on the field that others can't.
"Every one of those players will say they have learned so much. Don't get me wrong, there has been a thousand meetings but they have learned from him. And so have I."
Ten Hag has overseen a recent improvement in United's performances and his side were unfortunate not to beat Crystal Palace in their goalless draw last Saturday. The Red Devils had previously scored 10 goals in a week having breezed past Southampton and Barnsley in the Premier League and the Carabao Cup, respectively.
It comes following a major shake-up to the sporting department at Old Trafford during the summer, including the departure of McClaren and fellow Ten Hag ally Mitchell van der Gaag. Rene Hake and club icon Ruud van Nistelrooy were appointed as new assistants to the head coach.
