Before WC leaves, Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes followed Ten Hag’s instructions.

Erik ten Hag asked his team to assist share the burden of scoring before the World Cup break, and Manchester United’s Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes proved to him that they are capable of contributing goals from midfield.

As a result of United’s 20 goals in 14 Premier League games this season, only Chelsea (17) has scored less goals than Ten Hag’s club in the top half of the standings. With four goals, Marcus Rashford presently holds the league lead for the Reds, while new acquisition Antony is one goal behind the England international with three.

The forward players have been left to their own devices this season in terms of scoring, despite the obvious need for a striker. Few Premier League goals have been scored by United’s midfielders collectively; Fernandes (two), Fred (one), Casemiro (one), and Christian Eriksen (one) are the only players on the team without a winger or striker position to have scored.

Therefore, the fact that Casemiro and Fernandes both scored goals for Brazil and Portugal, respectively, while in Qatar, would have been a big comfort for Ten Hag.

In the group stage match against Switzerland, Casemiro gave the Selecao all three points with a scorching outside-of-the-foot goal in the 83rd minute. The Brazilian’s goal served as a reminder to United of his adaptability upon his return to Old Trafford, despite it not being his main job.

In contrast, Fernandes scored both of Portugal’s goals as they defeated Uruguay 2-0 to go to the round of 16 with one game remaining. The United midfielder’s dipping shot that struck the crossbar during their quarterfinal loss to Morocco came just inches from adding another.