Cristiano Ronaldo void at Man Utd filled as Casemiro takes on new role

It has been revealed that Casemiro, unlike Cristiano Ronaldo, has been spending plenty of time engaging with Manchester United’s young prospects since he joined the club from Real Madrid.

Casemiro, 30, became United’s marquee summer signing when he left Los Blancos to join the Premier League giants in a blockbuster deal that could eventually eclipse £70million.

The Brazilian enforcer was initially eased into life at Old Trafford by Erik ten Hag but has since become one of the club’s most influential players – and a fresh report has now outlined how the multi-time Champions League winner’s influence has already extended far beyond the football pitch.

According to The Times, Casemiro has quickly established himself as the elder statesman of the group and has a ‘magnetic’ presence on the training ground, where he spends plenty of time with the club’s youngsters.

The report goes on to outline that Ronaldo, the club’s former talisman, made no such effort to do this after he returned to Old Trafford for a second spell last summer. The 37-year-old finally left the club last month just weeks after an explosive, unsanctioned interview with Piers Morgan where he slammed the club hierarchy.

Although Casemiro has made a significant impact already in Manchester, United will have to cope without their new midfield lynchpin on Sunday when they travel to face Arsenal.

United, who are the only side to beat the Gunners in the Premier League so far this season, can cut the gap on the league leaders to just five points with a win at the Emirates.

Casemiro is unavailable for selection, though, after accumulating his fifth booking of the season during the midweek draw at Crystal Palace. And former Old Trafford favourite Gary Neville admitted earlier this week that Casemiro’s absence means that Arsenal have to be considered the favourites ahead of Sunday’s mouthwatering match.