Casemiro explains why he was 'really surprised' by Marcus Rashford
By Tom Gott
Casemiro has backed Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford to become one of the best players in the world after admitting he had no idea how good the England international actually is.
The two players linked up this summer as Casemiro swapped Real Madrid for United, where he has watched Rashford rediscover his best form to the tune of 11 goals and four assists in all competitions this season, on top of three goals at the World Cup.
Rashford's latest strike came as United saw off Wolves 1-0 at the weekend - a game in which the forward actually started on the bench after he was late to the pre-game meeting - after which Casemiro confessed his expectations of his teammate have been blown out of the water.
"I'm gonna be very honest with you. I was really surprised with the player Rashford is," he told ESPN Brazil. "In my opinion, especially knowing the player off the pitch, I can tell you that if he's doing well, he can be one of the top five players in the world.
"He has an incredible way of hitting the ball, he's got strength, he's quick, is very clever playing. He was one of the players that really surprised me. Of course when you play in a different league you already know the player, but when you're in the same club every day.
"What a spectacular player. I'm enjoying so much playing with him. He gives us a lot of energy. I'm delighted to play with him. And I'm sure if he stays like this, with the conditions he has, he can easily be a top five player because he's exceptional."
Rashford, who had no problem with being punished for his poor timekeeping, has been an integral part of United's forward line this season.
He has played all across the forward line but, with Anthony Martial now fit enough to start centrally, Rashford has reverted to his favoured left-wing role and has responded with three goals in his last five outings.