Casemiro has said that Manchester United teammate Marcus Rashford could "easily be a top-five player" in world football if he continues to develop.
Rashford scored his 11th club goal of the campaign on Saturday afternoon, coming off the bench to hit the winner against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League.
The 25-year-old has now registered in each of his three appearances against Burnley, Nottingham Forest and Wolves since returning to action following the 2022 World Cup.
Casemiro, who made the move to Old Trafford from Real Madrid over the summer, has admitted that he has been "really surprised" by Rashford's quality since his arrival.
"I'm gonna be very honest with you. I was really surprised with the player Rashford is. 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," Casemiro told ESPN Brasil.
© Reuters
"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 was a notable absentee from Man United's first XI against Wolves on Saturday, with the forward dropped from the side due to "internal disciplinary reasons", which he later admitted was due to him being late for a team meeting.
However, Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag hailed the Englishman for his response to being named on the bench, as he made the difference after his half-time introduction.
© Reuters
"I was convinced when he knew what he did, that this would be the reaction. He is in a good mood and spirit, so he was ready to give the answer," Ten Hag told reporters.
"It is the right answer so I am happy with it. He had the right attitude when he came in, that is how it has to be. But, of course, we have to avoid this [situation] because we have to start with the best XI.
"We created scoring opportunities but we didn't score them. So, to then have a player on the bench who can score, in very good shape, we have to bring him on. You can see, not only by his goal but also by the way he tried to continue to score a second goal, it makes us better."
Rashford has now scored 104 goals and registered 61 assists in 325 appearances for Man United in all competitions since debuting for the club in 2015.
The forward recently had his contract extended until June 2024, but the club are said to be in talks with the academy product over a new long-term deal at Old Trafford.
Matt Law
