Tim Vickery gives verdict on Manchester United midfielder Casemiro amidst criticism from Graeme Souness
Manchester United midfielder Casemiro came in for criticism from Graeme Souness after his move from Real Madrid. However, Brazil-based journalist Tim Vickery has outlined what the Brazilian brings to the table.
Casemiro made his way to Old Trafford a few days before the transfer deadline. The Brazilian comes with the pedigree of having won multiple La Liga and Champions League titles with Los Blancos.
Speaking to United’s official website, Vickery summarised what makes Casemiro one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. In his opinion, the 30-year-old will add stability to the Red Devils’ engine room.
“If you’re looking for someone to balance out the side, United couldn’t have done a great deal better.
“This is a player with serious, serious virtues. He has terrific spatial awareness, he just knows what’s going on and plugs the gaps.”
Fans who have seen Casemiro play regularly know that he is not the best on the ball. However, the Brazilian brings robustness to the middle of the park. The 30-year-old has the nous to break down opposition attacks at the right time.
Speaking on talkSPORT (h/t Marca English), Souness, who has spent time at Liverpool as a player and a manager, disparaged Casemiro and claimed the 30-year-old was “not a great player”. The Scottish national does not feel the Brazilian is a quality player on the ball.
However, Vickery feels Souness is being unfair on Casemiro. The Brazilian was an integral part of a successful Madrid side.
“I saw Graeme Souness have a bit of a pop and say that Casemiro has never been a great player, but football isn’t an individual sport. It’s not a beauty contest. He may not be a great individualist, but he’s been a part of great teams and that’s why he’s going to United.”
Casemiro made his United debut against Southampton as a substitute in the Premier League and has since featured against Leicester City and Arsenal as well. The Brazilian’s first start under Erik ten Hag came against Real Sociedad in the Europa League.
Scott McTominay has kept the 30-year-old out of the starting lineup for the time being. The Scotland international has put in decent performances in the number six position.
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Ten Hag has opted to keep Casemiro on the bench mostly for the time being. The Dutch gaffer has his own ideas and the Brazilian will evidently need time to adapt. For now, McTominay is doing fine. Hopefully, the 30-year-old will find his feet quickly at United.
