Paul Scholes compares Casemiro to Roy Keane

Former Manchester United star Paul Scholes has compared Casemiro to former club midfield general Roy Keane.

Scholes praised the midfielder and said fans do his talents a disservice by labelling him a ‘defensive midfielder’.

Casemiro joined United last summer in a big-money deal from Real Madrid. While many people raised eyebrows at his decision to join the club after so much success with Los Blancos, he rolled up his sleeves and went to work.

He has been impressive for the club in the centre of the park. The former Sao Paulo man turns 31 today and is one of the club’s top performers this season.

“Casemiro has been sensational really,” Scholes told Manchester United’s official website.

“He has great experience, winning so many times with Real Madrid as well, and is invaluable to the younger players around the squad.

“It’s almost like he’s a coach on the football pitch. You’ve seen the difference from when he’s come into the team and what he’s made [happen].

“He has great experience and I don’t think he gets the credit for the way he plays. He is a really good passer of the ball, which surprised me a little bit, when you think you saw Luka Modric and Toni Kroos as the playmakers at Real Madrid.

“I’ve heard so many times that he’s probably the best holding midfielder as well. I don’t see him as a holding midfielder.

“He’s a proper Manchester United midfielder that gets involved in everything. You see him up the pitch, you see him defending, you see him controlling the game at times. 

“He’s probably as close to Roy Keane as you’re going to get. I think he’s been brilliant.

“I think ‘holding midfielder’ just does him a little bit of an injustice.”

Casemiro has brought balance to United’s midfield, sitting at the base and breaking up play. His profile is one the club has been missing for a while.

His arrival has allowed other midfielders such as Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes to shine.

The Brazilian international has also helped his team at the other end of the pitch in his debut campaign.

He has two bagged goals and three assists in 17 Premier League appearances. He also has two assists in the Carabao Cup.

Casemiro has been one of the bright spots for United as they progress in all competitions.

They face Barcelona tonight in the Europa League for a place in the round of 16. Casemiro will likely play a crucial role for his side as they bid to dump the La Liga giants out.