"He isn't a stepover merchant" - Rio Ferdinand takes sly dig at Paul Pogba after Manchester United sign Casemiro
Manchester United have completed the signing of Casemiro from Real Madrid in a deal worth €60 million, with €10 million in add-ons, as confirmed by Goal. Following the transfer, former Red Devils defender Rio Ferdinand has taken the opportunity to aim a dig at Paul Pogba, who left the club at the end of last season.
The Frenchman was often criticised for his flamboyant style, showboating and penchant to go missing in big games during his time at United. Ferdinand has showered praise on Casemiro for thriving in these aspects.
#MUFC
Casemiro to Man United, here we go! Real Madrid accepted all details of the bid, clubs preparing contracts right now. €60m fixed fee, €10m add-ons 🚨🔴🇧🇷 #MUFC
Casemiro has full agreement on four year deal, option until 2027.
Medical and then visa to be sorted during weekend. https://t.co/tiuAdkCR81
"When the big games come along, this guy performs. He knows what he's doing, he's there," the Red Devils legend said of United's latest signing on his YouTube channel.
He continued, hailing Casemiro for being the quintessential team man.
"There's no thrills with him," said Ferdinand. "He isn't a stepover merchant; he isn't a skills man; he isn't someone who wants to get the fans off their seats with a bit of skill. He's there to do a job that means that the team are better off; they run more efficiently; they're going to have a chance of winning because he's in the team. He's first and foremost a team football player, which I love about him. If there's a battle, he's a man you want on your side."
Casemiro has joined United after a successful campaign with Real Madrid, winning the La Liga and UEFA Champions League double. The Brazilian is set to pen a four-year contract at Old Trafford, with the option of an additional year, and earn around €18 million per year.
🎙| Paul Pogba:
“Honestly, the toughest opponent I have ever faced, N'Golo Kante. Casemiro, from Real Madrid, is also very tough.” https://t.co/PqkaSeLpcB
Paul Pogba, meanwhile, re-joined Juventus as a free agent this summer. Unfortunately, the Frenchman is yet to play this season after picking up a knock last month that will keep him out of action till the last week of September.
Who else could Manchester United sign this summer?
Despite signing Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen, it doesn't look like Manchester United are done with their signing spree this summer. That's because of the horror start to their campaign - losing their first two games for the first time in the Premier League era.
There could still be a few more new arrivals at Old Trafford before the transfer window closes. The likes of Antony, Sergino Dest and Christian Pulisic are all being linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag's men take on Liverpool in their next league game on Monday (August 22).