Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Casemiro: Ten Hag told why he should worry after Brazil-based expert tells Man Utd exactly what they’re signing

Brazil midfielder Casemiro

A South American football expert has run the rule over Casemiro, and explained why Man Utd may be making a mistake in signing the Real Madrid superstar.

Manchester United look on course to spice their engine room up with the addition of Real Madrid destroyer, Casemiro. The Red Devils began their pursuit on Tuesday and in stark contrast to their Frenkie de Jong chase, have made impressively quick progress.

Indeed, an agreement over personal terms with the 30-year-old is already in place that will put Casemiro among United’s top earners.

A £51.5m bid that could potentially rise to £59.2m is expected to be lodged very shortly. Once tabled, Real Madrid will accept.

Providing confirmation of Real’s stance, Los Blancos boss, Carlo Ancelotti, said on Friday morning: “I have spoken with Casemiro. He wants to try a new challenge. We understand his decision.

“Negotiations are ongoing but he has decided to leave Real Madrid.”

Spanish outlet Marca report Real have given the greenlight for Casemiro to undergo a medical later today.

Barring a late collapse, Old Trafford will become the Brazilian’s new home at some stage this weekend, though Fabrizio Romano hinted why he might not feature against Liverpool on Monday night.

Regardless, Casemiro is bound for United and South American football expert, Tim Vickery, has run the rule over exactly what they’re signing.

Casemiro a poor fit for Ten Hag?

Firstly, Vickery – who has lived in Brazil since 1994 – claimed Casemiro does not mesh with Erik ten Hag’s long-term outlook.

“He wouldn’t seem to go with Ten Hag’s long-term plan of a dynamic, high pressing team. That’s not his game,” Vickery told Sky Sports.

“He looks more like a short-term [option]. This looks like a Dutchman trying to put a finger in the dyke.”

However, Vickery was fulsome in his praise regarding Casemiro’s qualities, including one United sorely lack.

But again, Vickery had reservations, this time about the timing of the move with the World Cup on the horizon.

Should Man Utd have waited until after World Cup?

He continued: “What would he bring? Well Brazil’a coach calls Casemiro his competitive leader, and how United need someone like that.

“Wonderful spatial awareness, can see the situation of the game and transfers the ball quickly and efficiently to the more talented attackers in front of him.

“He does have a lot to give, but does he want to give it to Manchester United? United are offering him a lot of money and security, but remember, we’re 100 days away from the World Cup.

“Does he want to rock the boat now? He’s got Fabinho of Liverpool breathing down his neck for his international place.

“I just wonder if in an ideal world, Casemiro would get this offer in January, rather than now.”