Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has reacted to the signing of Casemiro from Real Madrid, along with director of football John Murtough.
Casemiro has ended his long and successful spell with Real Madrid to play under Ten Hag at Old Trafford. The 30-year-old cost Manchester United an initial £60million, which would rise to £70m through bonuses, according to reports.
Casemiro has penned a four-year contract with Manchester United and has the option to extend it by a further year.
The defensive midfielder was presented to United fans before their home victory against Liverpool on Monday night.
He spoke with former United captain Roy Keane while the pundit was working for Sky Sports pitch side.
Keane and Gary Neville revealed their concerns about the transfer before the game. Keane thinks Casemiro is in for a big shock as United’s players don’t work as hard as his former Real team-mates.
Neville, meanwhile, thinks it is silly to offer a 30-year-old player a long-term deal which could cost them £160m.
During an interview with Sky Sports, Ten Hag was asked about Casemiro’s arrival. He is clearly happy the club has been able to solve their midfield problem by landing the Brazil international.
Casemiro ‘the cement between the stones’ – Ten Hag
“He is the cement between the stones, that is what we have been looking for in the summer and found him. [I’m] very happy with his signing.”
Murtough, meanwhile, explained how Casemiro will improve the United dressing room. “Casemiro is a serial winner and one of the best midfielders in world football; his exceptional record speaks for itself,” he said (via Manchester Evening News).
“He complements the skillsets of the squad and will be a great addition to the dressing room with his experience, knowledge and character.
“I know that Casemiro remains as determined as ever to be successful on the pitch and we look forward seeing that happen in a Manchester United shirt.”
Casemiro’s unveiling coincided with a successful night for the Red Devils. He watched from the stands as they beat rivals Liverpool 2-1 at home.
The fan protest against the club’s owners threatened to make it a troublesome night for United. However, goals from Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford gave them a crucial win, as well as Ten Hag his first three points.
Meanwhile, Keane has explained how United made Liverpool ‘look average’ in the first half of their victory.