Former Liverpool star Glen Johnson has questioned the idea behind Manchester United signing Casemiro from Real Madrid.
In a deal that caught many by surprise, the 30-year-old joined United in a deal that could be worth up to £70m, in a contract running until 2026, with the option of a further year inclusive.
Ahead of United’s clash against Liverpool at Old Trafford, Casemiro was unveiled to the club’s home fans on Monday night and earned a warm reception from many, even from club legend Roy Keane.
While some have hailed the club’s decision to sign the highly-rated midfielder, ex-Liverpool man Glen Johnson has described the move as ‘luxury’, claiming it was rather unnecessary and the Brazilian will not fit in at Old Trafford.
Johnson explains why Casemiro is a bad fit for the Red Devils
Analyzing the player’s move to Old Trafford, Glen Johnson believes Casemiro is a great player but just not the one Manchester United need at the moment.
“It’s a tough one because he’s a great player and he’s won everything there is to win,” Johnson told bettingodds.com.
“However, I just don’t think he’s the player they need at the moment. I don’t think he’s going to get a game by the scruff of the neck. He’s not box to box, he’s just going to sit there and that’s a luxury they aren’t good enough for at the moment.”
“It’s okay for him to do that at Real Madrid when he’s got players flying all around him, breaking up the play and winning the ball back but I don’t know if that’s what United need.”
Johnson further explains that United’s problems go deeper than Casemiro and it would take more than that signing to improve the United squad.
“Obviously, he’s a good player and he’s going to bring great experience. It probably will be a signing that the other players would like to see, but he’s not going to fix that team on his own”, he added.
“Regarding the financial package being offered to him, there’s always going to be that element surrounding the move.”
“He wouldn’t be going there otherwise to be honest, but that’s only one part of it. I don’t think it’s the only reason. The thing is, Manchester United have to pay big money because they’re not the most attractive club at the moment, and they haven’t been for a while, so they have to pay these players big amounts to get them to pick them over somebody else.”
Positives in this deal
It is safe to say that this is a very good deal for all parties involved. Real Madrid will be getting some very good cash for a player in his 30s, United will be getting an established destroyer who has a couple or goals in him plus he is a big upgrade on whatever they have currently. The player in question will also be getting a huge pay rise from his previous wages at Madrid.
Casemiro needs to play more games to boost his chances of making it to Qatar and, the incomings of Camavinga and Tchouameni will definitely hinder his possibilities as Real Madrid are looking at building for the future.
Manchester United need Casemiro more than he needs them. They are currently bereft of ideas, drained of morale and that midfield needs someone to take games by the scruff of the neck and do things.
