Manchester United have finally strengthened the midfield after years of neglecting that area of the pitch under several managers, with Real Madrid star Casemiro poised to complete his move imminently.
United announced that an agreement had been found with the Spanish giants last week and he’s set to be unveiled in front of the supporters at Old Trafford before kick-off against Liverpool on Monday.
Speaking ahead of the mouthwatering clash under the floodlights, Gary Neville has become the latest figure to criticise United for signing Casemiro, claiming it shows ‘desperation’ after attempting to sign Frenkie de Jong and Adrien Rabiot.
Is Casemiro a good signing for Man Utd? 🔴🤔 pic.twitter.com/drcmqnKHap
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 22, 2022
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“That’s why sometimes now, I don’t get as excited as I should do as a United fan about the signings that come in because I know that they’re not actually part of the strategy at the start of the summer,” Neville told Sky Sports.
“Every other club’s really precise. You don’t see them bouncing around like a pinball in the transfer market from one player to another.
“It’s De Jong, Rabiot and it ends up being Casemiro on a phenomenal contract that’s gonna cost the club £160m. And I have to say, I think he’ll do well for the club for a couple of years, Casemiro.
“But someone, in two years time, he’s gonna pick up a player that’s beyond his best years on £20m per year that they can’t shift. And that might be Erik ten Hag, it might be a new manager it might be new owners.
“So there’s a large element of desperation with this signing because a five-year contract for a 30-year-old should not happen.”
United’s recent record in the transfer market won’t fill Neville with confidence but with his pedigree and trajectory, it would be unwise to rule out Casemiro having a major impact at Old Trafford.
The five-time Champions League winner could make his debut for the club next weekend as United face Southampton.
