Manchester United fans have grown weary of the club’s never-ending search of a new midfielder. Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong has been the club’s primary target for much of the summer, but as that saga drags on, they have started turning their attention to other options.
A £15million fee for Adrien Rabiot was agreed with Juventus last week, although personal terms have not yet been finalised. The Frenchman certainly has the ability to improve Erik ten Hag’s side in possession, yet he’s not the kind of profile who can fill the defensive-midfield void currently within the squad.
However, frustrated United fans have been boosted by reports suggesting the club are weighing up an audacious move for Real Madrid enforcer Casemiro.
The Brazil international is largely considered to be one of the best defensive midfielders on the planet and still has three years left on his deal. However, Real signed Casemiro’s potential long-term successor, Aurelien Tchouameni, for £80million earlier in the summer.
Therefore, if there’s an opportunity to recoup funds by selling Casemiro this year, then there’s every chance the European champions might take it.
The 30-year-old certainly has a glistening CV that could rival almost any elite player across the continent. He has won five Champions Leagues and three La Liga titles and has racked up more than 330 appearances since signing for the Spanish giants in 2013. All of that will be an afterthought for Ten Hag, though, as its his defensive capabilities which will appeal most to the United boss.
Despite being in the latter stages of his prime, Casemiro is extremely mobile and strong, both of which make him a master at sweeping up balls in the middle and breaking up opposition attacks.
Last season, only seven players across La Liga made more tackles and interceptions than Casemiro (149), which is pretty impressive when you consider he plays for a Madrid side that dominate the ball and therefore defend a lot less than other league rivals. Not only is he strong across the floor, but also in the air. No player actually won more aerial duels for Madrid last season than Casemiro (112).
There’s no doubt he’s got the sort of ‘destroyer’ profile that United lack in their partnership of Scott McTominay and Fred. Casemiro's ability to protect the defence could have a transformative impact on the Red Devils’ fortunes this season. However, his ability with the ball at his feet shouldn’t be overlooked either.
It’s not his role at Madrid to orchestrate build-up play in the same way Toni Kroos and Luka Modric do, yet when there are opportunities to play penetrating balls forward, he’ll definitely take them. That’s a point captured by the fact only five La Liga midfielders who played over 1000 minutes could better his progressive pass per 90 average last season (8.51).
What would be a reasonable transfer fee for Casemiro? Have your say in the comments!
There’s absolutely no doubt Casemiro would massively improve United’s midfield. However, drawbacks come when considering both his age and potential cost. He’ll cost an expensive fee up front and his wages will be high too.
He’s worth the outlay at this stage, but an eye-watering pay packet could turn into a problem if his form was to dramatically decline over the next few years, leaving United stuck with another ageing star running down their contract.
Although that’s a real risk, it might be one the club must take given that time is running out for them to make the necessary additions in order to compete at the top end of the Premier League table this season.
