Man United is interested in signing Casemiro from Real Madrid, and the midfielder would be an excellent addition.
This week, Manchester United approached Real Madrid about signing Casemiro. The club’s recruitment plan has been disappointing this summer, but there’s no disputing that Casemiro would be a fantastic addition, although a desperate one.
There has been no consistency in recruiting during this window. United has raced around the market, spending more money on John Murtough’s travel expenses than on midfielders. Christian Eriksen, the only midfield addition, came at no cost. The summer has seen a surge in interest in Casemiro that seems to have come out of nowhere.
Although the circumstances that led the club to approach Real Madrid about Casemiro were amateurish – no progress with Frenkie de Jong and failure to agree on terms with Adrien Rabiot – he would represent the most important signing of the summer at Old Trafford, which is ironic given the club’s failures elsewhere.
During his nine years at Real Madrid, Casemiro was a world-class defensive midfielder. Casemiro has five Champions Leagues and three La Liga crowns to his name, among other domestic big honors, and he has played a key role in that accomplishment.
In May, Real Madrid defeated Liverpool in the Champions League final, and Casemiro demonstrated that he is still an outstanding, skilled operator in defensive midfield. The 30-year-old appears to have many years left at the top level.
So, what makes him desire to leave Madrid? United have suffered two humiliating defeats this season, against Brighton and Brentford, and they are due to play in the Europa League, a league Casemiro has never been forced to play in.
Madrid has bought young defensive midfielders Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni in the previous year, and Casemiro is facing competition for a starting spot, while he would become one of the highest salaries at Old Trafford if he moves. Close buddies of the midfielder include Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael Varane.
Although Casemiro is aware that switching from the Bernabeu to Old Trafford is now a step-down, there are reasons why he would contemplate such a move. Thursday night games against opponents like Lech Poznan will have to be avoided.
On the contrary, the reasons why United wants to sign Casemiro are straightforward. United sorely need a defensive midfielder, and despite being in his late 30s, they would be signing one of Europe’s best in that position.
As the anchor of a three-man midfield, Casemiro would immediately enhance Erik ten Hag’s side and provide much-needed balance. Fred and Scott McTominay have both played in that position, and it is evident that they are not the solution.
Casemiro is so good that he outperforms McTominay and Fred on all passing measures, with the exception of completed crucial passes, which he shares with the latter. Casemiro’s explosive passing range would set the tone at the base of the midfield.
Casemiro considerably outperforms McTominay and Fred in three categories, two of which concern passing, with the player averaging 65 successful passes and 14.2 successful passes into the final third per 90 last season.
When compared to McTominay and Fred, his number of ball recoveries stands out, despite the fact that the combination does not set a high standard. Last season, Casemiro averaged 8.1 ball recoveries per 90 minutes, which was slightly under double what McTominay (4.9) and Fred (5.2) did in the Premier League. That demonstrates why Casemiro is the first midfielder on the Reds’ squad sheet.
There is speculation that Casemiro’s agent is using United as a bargaining chip to secure a higher wage for his client, but supporters will be hoping that is not the case. Murtough will also be hoping that Casemiro is truly interested in joining United after being led down the garden path this summer. For the sake of his reputation, he must seal this move.
