Casemiro was given a hero’s welcome at Old Trafford as Manchester United unveiled him to the club’s support moments prior to kick-off against Liverpool – just as Raphael Varane was before the Premier League curtain-raiser against Leeds last year.
Casemiro watched from the stands as Erik ten Hag’s men registered their first win of the season in what was a fairly straightforward outing despite a late scare.
Varane, who replaced Harry Maguire in the team, put in his best performance in a United shirt and he has now delivered his reaction to the news that he will be reuniting with Casemiro.
The pair shared a dressing room for eight years between 2013 and 2021 and won four Champions Leagues together – United fans will be hoping for a repeat of that in the future.
“Yeah, very excited,” Varane told the Manchester Evening News as he reflects on the prospect of playing with Casemiro again. “I know perfectly his quality. He can bring this balance to the team and his mentality. He’s a warrior, so I think he will really enjoy English football. I know him (laughs).
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“I think it was a perfect night for him to meet Old Trafford because the atmosphere was absolutely amazing, and he brings a victory so it’s nice!
“I think he doesn’t need my help to make his choice. I know exactly what he feels and why he’s coming here after what he lived in Madrid.
“He needs a new challenge, I know exactly what he feels, and I know exactly why he chose this club. It’s a similar process that I had so obviously I wish him the best and I’m speaking with him a lot, but he didn’t need me to make his choice.”
SN’s verdict…
Varane has endured a difficult start to life in Manchester and his pre-season was disrupted by a specialised program after he was plagued by a string of injuries last season.
But on Monday’s showing, he could now form an unbreakable bond with Lisandro Martinez at the heart of United’s defence and who better to sit just in front than Casemiro?
The pair combined to perfection in Madrid to make up a colossal trio alongside Sergio Ramos and with Martinez, Ten Hag has all the tools to replicate that.
Casemiro could make his United bow as early as Saturday following completion of the deal earlier this week.