MY ACCOUNT
Manchester United great Peter Schmeichel is “surprised” by the club’s pursuit of Casemiro, expressing doubt as to whether the midfielder can adapt to life in the Premier League.
Erik ten Hag’s side are widely reported to be closing in on the capture of the Brazilian from Real Madrid for an initial fee of around £60million (€70.6m), with his weekly wage said to be £350,000.
Such a significant outlay on the 30-year-old, who is set to pen a four-year deal at Old Trafford, has raised eyebrows given the fact he is entering the twilight years of his career.
Schmeichel has further concerns though, as he is not convinced that Casemiro will be able to fit into the role that United are recruiting him for, highlighting the differences to his current position at Madrid.
“I’m surprised, I have to be honest, because Casemiro hasn’t been mentioned at all throughout the transfer window, at no point was that name mentioned,” he told the BBC’s Football Focus.
“I think he’s been absolutely fantastic at Real Madrid, I’ve been impressed with how well he’s played. He had an injury, came back and really tightened up the back.
“But what he did at Real Madrid was to sit in front of the back four, just to give them protection, then when they had the ball he took part in play but they had Toni Kroos and Luka Modric to give the ball to, then he just stopped.
“If you’re a number six for Manchester United, you are supposed to also drive and take part in the game.”
“Ten Hag says he wants to be in possession of the game, to be in control of the game, put pressure on the ball all the time, and that’s a big difference from LaLiga. Even playing in the Champions League to playing every week in the Premier League.
“So I’m surprised that this player is now being mentioned at that amount of money with those wages at that age, when we don’t know if he can do the job.
“I’m not sure. Maybe sign somebody who we know can play in the Premier League, just for now, then maybe next year or the next transfer window you go and sign the players like Casemiro, exciting players to watch.
“For me, it’s an open question, I don’t know.”
United, who have lost their opening two Premier League matches, have spent much of the transfer window chasing Frenkie de Jong from Madrid’s rivals Barcelona.
