Former Manchester United midfielder Kleberson has claimed that his compatriots Casemiro and Antony both have a future at the club under Ruben Amorim.
Kleberson joined Sir Alex Ferguson’s side in 2003 from Atlético Paranaense and his signing was considered quite a coup after he starred in Brazil’s World Cup win in 2002.
Unfortunately, he represented the club just 30 times in an unsuccessful spell and he moved to Turkish side Besiktas after just two seasons in Manchester.
On the other hand, Amorim’s adventure is just about to start at Old Trafford in just a couple of days when he manages Sporting Lisbon for the last time this Sunday against Braga.
There has been much speculation in the media about how United’s current crop of players will fit into his characteristic 3-4-3 formation.
Kleberson believes two players who have largely been linked with a move away from Old Trafford could both prosper under the new head coach.
Speaking to The Metro he claimed, “Casemiro is the one player who doesn’t shy away from the pressure; he can handle the pressure.”
The Brazilian believes that the former Real Madrid star proved his worth in Van Nistelrooy’s first match in charge against Leicester City in the Carabao Cup.
“People can get upset with him or the media and the news can try and punch him down, but he’s always the same guy and will always try to play the way that he can play.”
“You saw him score two goals [against Leicester City], the second goal that he scored he was the one that won the header and he still had the desire to get the next ball.”
He backed the legendary midfielder’s ability to still contribute at the club by asserting, “I think things are getting better for him. Every time a season is done, you hear that Casemiro has to leave United, that he has done, has to go to Saudi Arabia or back to Brazil, but he can still play. He can still offer more to United.”
Casemiro has certainly turned a corner this season and looks to be enjoying life away from the scrutiny of Erik ten Hag.
Less convincingly however, Kleberson then turned his attention to providing support for much-maligned winger Antony.
“I know Antony has struggled to get the best out of himself at United, it has been very up and down, but I believe that with a new manager a lot of things can change for players, and a new manager could give him great confidence.”
“He’s a really good player, but just struggled to get to his best on the field. I believe that the right manager can get the best out of him, and I believe that he can have a good future at United.”
Kleberson then likened his own position to Antony, saying he gave up too early in his third season after injuries and falling down the pecking order and should have stayed and fought for his place instead of moving to Turkyie in 2005.
Featured image Mark Thompson via Getty Images
Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.
