Gary Neville praises ‘unbelievable’ job from Erik ten Hag after Man Utd win EFL Cup, Roy Keane credits Casemiro

Gary Neville believes Erik ten Hag has made Manchester United fans “love their team again” as they ended their six-year wait for a trophy by winning the EFL Cup.

Having lost his first two games in charge at the start of the season, to Brighton 2-1 and Brentford 4-0, Ten Hag has turned United’s form around and they are also still in the FA Cup and Europa League.

“Where they are and what they are doing is something I could never have imagined six months ago,” Neville told Sky Sports.

“The big things – leaving Marcus Rashford out for being late in the Wolves game, the way the Cristiano Ronaldo situation was dealt with, Harry Maguire as captain being left out – they are massive decisions and courageous ones. They could have easily gone wrong and gone the other way.

“What he [Ten Hag] has done is assume control at the club. Think of Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp, there’s no doubt they are the most important figure at their football clubs. Erik ten Hag over the last few months, I think he’s taken control.

“The fans love the team again and you saw the cheer the fans gave him. They love those players, Casemiro, Rashford, but when he lifted the trophy, there was no doubt who they think the most important person is.”

United are third in the Premier League, eight points behind Arsenal and play Liverpool next Sunday at Anfield.

Casemiro was present during the reverse fixture in August, having just signed a deal to join United from Real Madrid.

He has played a big role in the midfield for the Red Devils and Roy Keane credited the Brazilian for his attitude.

“He’s won everything the game but he’s still got the hunger, desire,” said Keane.

“His football intelligence – the decision making, when to pass, weight of pass, when to dive in, when to give a foul away, he’s scored goals and his quality.

“That’s surprised everybody when he came to the club but this is what I expected from him. Maybe what surprises me is his attacking play, he also does all the ugly side of the game.

“He looks like a big personality in the dressing room and United have lacked that over the last few years.”