Elite Man Utd signing wrongfoots another pundit after blowing away theory on motivation for move
Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has caused another pundit to change his opinion about his adaptation to the club, with one of their former players now describing him as “man of the match every week”.
Casemiro joined Man Utd during the summer transfer window from Real Madrid. His arrival came towards the end of a summer in which their pursuit of another midfielder, Frenkie de Jong, became a source of frustration.
Already 30 years old by the time of his arrival in the Premier League, Casemiro wasn’t universally well received at first, despite his shining pedigree from his Real Madrid days.
However, the Brazil international – who turned 31 in February – has been winning his critics over in recent months. Now, he is earning recognition as one of the main difference makers in turning the team’s fortunes around.
Earlier this week, former Tottenham Hotspur manager Tim Sherwood said he was “so, so wrong” about his own initial judgement of Casemiro.
Now, ex-Man Utd midfielder Nicky Butt has echoed a similar message. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Butt said he felt Casemiro was “sluggish” at first, but is now standing out as the best player on the pitch in most of his appearances.
“I didn’t think he took it to it that well when he started,” Butt said.
“I thought he looked heavy and sluggish. I don’t know if he had trained well before he came. I wasn’t sure he could run.
“But what he’s done since he took off after three or four games has been amazing. Man of the match every week. He’s a bit of an old throwback midfielder.”
Butt would have relished Casemiro partnership
Butt then added that he originally thought Casemiro was joining Man Utd for financial motives after his illustrious spell in Spain.
However, he has since blown that theory away with the leadership skills he has demonstrated. Thus, he is someone Butt wishes he could have played alongside.
“I must admit I thought he was an ageing player leaving one big club and coming to another one for money, if I am honest. But what he has done, he looks like a proper leader, a proper guy.
“I always look at people and think I would like to play with him and he is one of them.”
So far, Casemiro has made 34 appearances for Man Utd. From those games, he has scored five goals and provided the same number of assists.
He has certainly been an upgrade for Man Utd’s midfield, which should have been obvious all along. Casemiro won it all at Real Madrid and still has plenty in the tank now he is at Man Utd.
He recently played his part in helping them win the Carabao Cup. Indeed, he played all 90 minutes of the final against Newcastle.
Casemiro and his teammates will be hungry for more in the months ahead. Next on their schedule is a trip to face rivals Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday.
