Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Ten Hag: Casemiro's Character Key to United's Future

1/20/2026

39 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Ten Hag's Character Focus

Erik Ten Hag, Manchester United manager, emphasizes character in the squad.
Erik Ten Hag identifies Casemiro as a standard-setter.
Following a League Cup victory, Ten Hag says Casemiro's competitive nature reflects a winning mentality.
The club aims to recruit players who embody humility and responsibility on the pitch.
The club's investment in Casemiro despite his age raises questions from Sir Jim Ratcliffe about the long-term vision.

Summary

Carrick Leads Victory

Michael Carrick, the interim manager of Manchester United, led a 2-0 victory over Manchester City.
Carrick emphasized teamwork and urged players to "use the energy of the people" to build momentum.
The club is evaluating Carrick's performance as his contract runs until the season's end amid ongoing discussions about potential managerial candidates.

History

Historical Context

Manchester United's historic treble in 1999, under Sir Alex Ferguson, marked a pinnacle in English football, showcasing their dominance with 68 major trophies. In contrast, Manchester City's rise began post-2008, culminating in their own treble in 2023. This rivalry, highlighted by the first-ever Manchester derby in an FA Cup final, underscores the evolving landscape of football in Manchester.

1 of 3

Ten Hag's Character Focus

Erik Ten Hag, Manchester United manager, emphasizes character in the squad.
Erik Ten Hag identifies Casemiro as a standard-setter.
Following a League Cup victory, Ten Hag says Casemiro's competitive nature reflects a winning mentality.
The club aims to recruit players who embody humility and responsibility on the pitch.
The club's investment in Casemiro despite his age raises questions from Sir Jim Ratcliffe about the long-term vision.

1 / 3