Manchester United sealed their place in the quarter-finals of the Europa League with a 1-0 win over Real Betis in the second leg of their last-16 tie.
26.02.2023 - 20:51 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Phil Jones believes that the arrivals of Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez have been "instrumental" in Manchester United's success so far this season.
United signed five permanent players in the summer transfer window, with Tyrell Malacia, Antony, Casemiro, Eriksen and Martinez being recruited by Erik ten Hag. The new signings have all made a positive impact at Old Trafford this season, but some have received more plaudits than others.
Brazilian midfielder Casemiro has thrived in front of the back-four since joining from Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Eriksen - who signed on a free transfer after spending last season with Brentford - was in superb form prior to his injury.
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Martinez has formed a solid partnership with Raphael Varane at the centre of defence, with the Argentine keeping club captain Harry Maguire out of the side for most of the campaign. The centre-back quickly became a fans' favourite at United thanks to his passionate displays.
"Casemiro, Eriksen, Martinez, they have come in and been instrumental this season, been fantastic," said Jones on Sky Sports. "You look at Casemiro, not just the way he defends, it's the way he sets up the attacks for the likes of Marcus [Rashford] and Antony and those quick players on the wide areas to create crosses and score goals.
"It's not just him, I think the manager has been one of the best signings as well, he's been instrumental to it."
When asked what Casemiro was like as a character in and around the dressing room, Jones added: "He's got that quite calming effect on the lads, he's very infectious in the way he leads and plays his football. On the pitch, you can see
Manchester United sealed their place in the quarter-finals of the Europa League with a 1-0 win over Real Betis in the second leg of their last-16 tie.
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