BBC pundit Garth Crooks has included Manchester United midfielder Casemiro in his ‘Team of The Season’.

The Brazilian international played a crucial role in helping Erik ten Hag’s side secure a third-place finish and Crooks firmly believes that the £70m summer signing “saved” the team’s season, when the saga surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s future threatened to engulf the club:

“Casemiro put his reputation to one side, rolled up his sleeves and dug in. He gives everything for the team. In fact Casemiro did the one thing Ronaldo couldn’t do and that was take United back into the Champions League. A world-class player with a reputation to match.”

While most wouldn’t probably go as far as Crooks in terms of Casemiro’s impact, there is no doubt that his arrival had a massive bearing in improving results and ensuring certain standards were set.

When the 31-year-old was absent due to suspension, the team struggled and that is a testament to the midfielder and his ability to provide a stabilising presence out on the pitch.

Who else was named in Crooks’ team?

Six Manchester City players were selected by Crooks, including goalkeeper Ederson, centre-backs Ruben Dias and Manuel Akanji, midfield pair Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan, as well as Erling Haaland.

Newcastle right-back Kieran Tierney, Tottenham striker Harry Kane, Arsenal centre-back William Saliba and midfielder Martin Odegaard made up the rest of the eleven.