Casemiro concedes the long-term plans of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City mean they are a threat Manchester United need to overcome if they want to be successful.
The Red Devils haven't ruled the English top flight since 2013 and must overcome several of their rivals if they are to be No 1 again. The club's current trophy drought dates back to Jose Mourinho's tenure but there are postive signs under Erik ten Hag.
United currently sit third, behind the two title protagonists City and Arsenal, but are comfortably ahead of Liverpool, who are enduring a poor season, but are expected to be competitive sooner rather than later. The Reds and City have shared the league titles between them since 2018 whilst the Gunners look set to crash the party.
Casemiro's arrival at Old Trafford has been crucial to their rise this term. The Brazilian has had an instant impact in Manchester but accepts that results will not be achieved overnight with some of their rivals enjoying several years of development.
He said: “When you arrive at a new club, you always dream of making history… especially if we see the greatness of this club. We know the history. But of course, I was aware of needing some time to adapt and of the rivals having a long-term plan before ours, like Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool.
“They all have managers that have been there for a while and, therefore, they have an advantage. I’m happy with my adaptation here, my teammates and the staff are really helping me… also with the English language, it’s been quite hard but I’m really trying to get better.
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Getty Images)“Everyone here has been lovely with me and since the first day I feel at home here. I appreciate all the effort that the club has done to bring me here, John (Murtough, United’s director of football) included. I’m very comfortable at Manchester United, extremely happy to be here and enjoying every moment like a 15-year-old kid! But the most important (thing) is to see the team growing.”
Casemiro's importance was underlined by his absence in United's last league outing. A yellow card at Crystal Palace meant he missed the trip to Arsenal, which the Red Devils lost 3-2 late on, but their lack of presence in midfield was cited as an issue.
The Brazilian returned for the FA Cup clash against Reading on Saturday night, scoring two of United's three as he highlighted his goalscoring touch. Roy Keane said on his performance: "Over the last few years for Man Utd, particularly in the middle of the park, they’ve lacked a quality player with a big personality, a guy with a bit of presence. He’s a top-quality player. We see it week in, week out. He affects games."