Raphael Varane was the first Manchester United player to send a welcome message to Casemiro with the Brazil midfielder on the verge of moving to Old Trafford.
Manchester United announced an agreement with Real Madrid for the defensive midfielder and it is believed that he still needs to agree personal terms, arrange a UK visa and complete his medical.
Just minutes before that announcement, Varane shared a picture of himself smiling to the camera with a couple of emojis hinting at the news to come:
“Many battles fought together with my warrior Case! Welcome to Manchester, amigo @Casemiro”, Varane wrote in another Instagram post.
We are all looking forward to seeing Casemiro at United. He’s been a tremendous player for Madrid, providing that much needed steel in midfield and it allowed Toni Kroos and Luka Modric to do what they do best for years. Last season that trio helped deliver another Champions League and La Liga title and they were all in their 30s. Carlo Ancelotti has decided to replace Casemiro, the youngest of the three, with Madrid spending big to sign Aurélien Tchouaméni this summer.
United have lacked that edge for years and I think Casemiro is a more suited signing than Frenkie de Jong. I’m not saying he’s a better footballer because he’s not – but Casemiro is among the best defensive midfielders in the game.
SN’s verdict
Hopefully, unlike Varane, Casemiro joins United and plays the majority of games in his first season.
The Brazilian is usually available for Real Madrid and we need someone reliable in midfield.
Casemiro will bring the bite we all demand.