Rio Ferdinand has praised his old side’s latest transfer after Manchester United confirmed they had reached an agreement with Real Madrid for the signing of Brazil midfielder Casemiro.
United revealed this evening that they had agreed a deal to bring Casemiro to Old Trafford in a deal worth £70million and the football world has been reacting to the news.
Ferdinand, who made more than 450 appearances for United between 2002 and 2014, described the midfielder as “the type of player Man United need” but questioned the fee involved in the deal and his ability to ‘adaptation of Casemiro.
Rio Ferdinand has celebrated the signing of Brazilian midfielder Casemiro by Manchester United
Casemiro close to joining Manchester United in £70m deal from Real Madrid
“Come on, listen man… this is the type of player that Man United needs, the type of character that Man United needs more than anything,” Ferdinand said in a video posted on his YouTube channel.
‘He is the type of person, individual. Is it overpriced? Yes.
However, Ferdinand praised the five-time Champions League winner, who will sign a four-year deal at Old Trafford in the coming days.
“The positives I’ll start with,” added the 43-year-old.
“First of all, the guy is a real winner, he knows how to win, he has been instrumental in everything that has been positive for Real Madrid in recent years.
‘[He has been] one of the main boys alongside Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Karim Benzema’.
The midfielder won five Champions Leagues during his time in Spain with Madrid
Brazil star arrives after trophy-laden career at Madrid – SofaScore chart
Casemiro’s move is subject to personal terms being agreed, but it looks like Untied have finally found the midfielder they’ve been searching for all summer.
Erik ten Hag’s side have been repeatedly snubbed by a number of targets, first chasing Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, but off-field issues got in the way and they were eventually forced to abandon their pursuit .
Personal terms then prevented Juventus star Adrien Rabiot from moving to Old Trafford, but the Red Devils have finally completed a deal, with Casemiro set to officially join the club soon.
Ferdinand added: “When the big games come, this guy performs. He knows what he’s doing, he’s there.
‘There are no emotions with him. He’s not a pass merchant, he’s not a skills man, he’s not someone who wants to get the fans out of their seats with a bit of skill. He’s there to do a job that means the team is better, runs more efficiently, will have a chance to win because he’s on the team.
“He’s first and foremost a team football player, which I love about him. If there’s a battle, he’s a man you want on your side.
United, who have lost their opening two games of the season, have been searching for a midfielder
Ferdinand questioned the fee involved in the transfer, saying there is “zero resale value”
However, Ferdinand questioned United’s long-term plan with the addition, before sending a warning to fans that the player may take time to adapt to the Premier League.
‘Are there negatives? Yes there is,” he said.
“Obviously the age, 30 years, I wouldn’t say it’s a massive negative, but if you talk from a business point of view from a club perspective, there will be zero resale value.
“You’re probably looking at close to £100m on wages. If you get the change out of that, you’re lucky.
Former defender Ferdinand made more than 450 appearances for United between 2002 and 2014
“Coming from Spain for Casemiro to a team that is absolutely devoid of all confidence, it is absolutely difficult in all areas, tactically especially, physically, mentally… I think it will be a big demand for a 30-year-old. to come in, reload, restart and go back.
“He has been doing that and he has been successful in a team that is very well coached with consistent players, consistent method and philosophy, a way of playing.
‘[But] now he’s getting to a place where everything is new in terms of training, behind the scenes it’s brand new. People start trying to decipher what is good, what is bad. There is a lot of uncertainty behind the scenes and trust is very low.
‘In the Premier League, the spaces around you are bigger. That’s where he might struggle, but if the team is tight around him, he’ll be fine. You need people who know how to do the job.