Ferdinand, Scholes explain how Casemiro can help new Manchester United team-mates

Rio Ferdinand says Casemiro is the “glue” that Manchester United have been searching for, while Paul Scholes insists the Brazilian could allow other players to flourish.

Erik ten Hag named an unchanged line-up from the one that defeated Liverpool on Monday. New Manchester United signing Casemiro joined the squad to face Southampton for the first time and was on the bench alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Maguire.

But Ten Hag, who hinted at changes on Friday, decided to stick with the Xi who did so well in beating Liverpool at Old Trafford.

Saints will pose a different threat though at St Mary’s and United’s record of seven straight away defeats could be a factor.

“Psychologically this team needs to be rebuilt and not just physically but mentally. That result on Monday was a huge result and will be positive for the mindset of these players,” Ferdinand told BT Sport.

“You can have a bad spell in a game and it will come flooding back. Those seven games will then be at the forefront of their minds.

“They need results and the need the same intensity and the same desire and energy they had at Old Trafford, here at Southampton if they are to get a result.”

Scott McTominay, Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen were the trio tasked with playing centrally on the south coast. But Paul Scholes believes McTominay and Fred will benefit from the arrival of Casemiro.

Scholes said: “They need to be more aggressive, quicker to the ball. It’s not always about playing when you go away, it’s about being in people’s faces. I don’t think this team are particularly good with the ball, so breaking off teams with the pace of Rashford and Elanga should suit them better.”

Scholes: ‘Casemiro fantastic at filling holes’

Asked about the influence of Casemiro, Scholes added: “He will bring great experience to the midfield and he will help Scott and Fred. I think those two have always been better when they are further up the pitch.

“They are better further up the pitch creating things. The two of them are often asked to play in a sitting role and neither of them are that good at it. They are not great at controlling the game.

“They are not defensively good and Casemiro will bring that experience and he will then allow these players to flourish.”

Ferdinand was also asked what qualities the Brazilian will add to Ten Hag’s squad.

“He will be asked to do a similar role. Erik ten Hag will want him to be the glue in there and making other players better,” added Ferdinand.

“He is fantastic at filling holes and if there is a gap in the game from a defensive perspective he will fill it. But he can also find the spare man too.

“Yes he’s had Kroos and Modric dictating games alongside him and he will probably get that here with Eriksen and Bruno. They have been crying out for that player to sit there in that area between the midfield and the defence.

“Hopefully he can bring that stability.”

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