Rio Ferdinand believes finances and the need for an experienced head in the Manchester United midfield were the reasons behind the club ending up signing Casemiro ahead of Declan Rice.
It is understood that the Brazilian will put pen to paper on a four-year contract at Old Trafford with an additional 12 months optional. MEN Sport understands that Casemiro's contract will be heavily performance incentivised and he will be financially rewarded further should United qualify for the Champions League.
Earlier in the transfer window, the Reds were linked with a move for West Ham United's new captain Rice. However, interest in the Hammers player cooled once David Moyes slapped a nine-figure price tag on the Englishman.
ALSO READ: Ferdinand names pros and cons of Casemiro
United are set to fork out £60million, plus up to £10m in add-ons for the Real Madrid man. Ferdinand told the Vibe with Five YouTube channel : "I think a lot of people will be sitting there going: 'Why did they not get Declan Rice?'
"Declan Rice's price, priced them out of it. Could they have done a player plus cash deal? Maybe, potentially with one of the defenders, [Aaron] Wan-Bissaka?
"But it is all about whether West Ham would have wanted one of those players. He [Rice] is a better profile in terms of age but he hasn't got the experience and Erik ten Hag looks like he wants it here and now.
"He doesn't want someone to come in and learn the ropes like someone like Declan Rice, as good a player as he is, he has not won at the top level, he hasn't played in the Champions League, yet.
"He hasn't got that to add to the United team yet from the low position from which they are starting. Casemiro was never one that I imagined as being on the radar but I have to say, after being initially being a bit worried about the signing, I have to say it has really grown on me and I hope it comes good."
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