Is Casemiro Manchester United’s Best Signing In The Last Decade?

Perhaps not many had predicted Casemiro’s arrival last summer when Manchester United announced it, but he has helped changed the fortunes of the club in incredibly quick fashion.

The Brazil international left Real Madrid after countless trophies in Spain and Europe to experience a new challenge. And although Manchester United were clearly pursuing FC Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, they kept one eye on the unravelling situation with Casemiro.

After it was first reported in mid-August that there was a possibility of signing the Brazilian, Manchester United moved incredibly quickly to close the deal and announce him as their new holding midfielder.

It took a fee of £65 million to prize him away, but it has been money well spent. Every fan and pundit knew that Manchester United’s problems laid bare in midfield without having a true number six in their team, and instead shoe-horning Scott McTominay and Fred into the position to attempt to keep a stable midfield.

Ever since Casemiro stepped foot inside Old Trafford he has set the place alight. Fans are excited to see him and he has not put a foot wrong. The ex-Real Madrid man clearly wants to be at the club and help take Manchester United forward, which is reflected in his performances on a weekly basis.

In the EFL Cup, three days after the World Cup had ended, Casemiro slotted in at centre half alongside Victor Lindelöf against Burnley. It was perhaps an easier game than expected given Vincent Kompany’s team had been in scintillating form, but Casemiro stood out once again in a position that is not his own with his immense leadership qualities and ability.

The Red Devils will no doubt be in the market once more coming into next summer for another midfielder, but Casemiro has shown, in an alarmingly short amount of time, what a quality operator he is and how utterly crucial he has become to the Red Devils.

Erik Ten Hag has made some astute signings during his first window in charge, but with the anticipated sale of Manchester United expected to go through in Q2 of 2023, the Dutch manager will have further funds at his disposal to make a title-winning team tick.

Casemiro will no doubt be at the heart of his plans and at the base of the midfield, where he continually and tirelessly intercepts and breaks up the opposition’s passage of play with ease.

Fans will witness as the season goes on how capable Casemiro is to play week in, week out, but one would imagine that Ten Hag will be maximising the Brazilian’s game time when the FC Barcelona tie comes around in February for the Europa League.