Casemiro has become one of the first names on the Man United teamsheet in recent weeks.
Rio Ferdinand never doubted that Casemiro would fail to leave his mark at Manchester United after joining Real Madrid in the summer.
After failing to land Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong, United shifted their attention to Casemiro in mid-August, signing him for an initial fee of £60 million. He was exactly the type of player they had been looking for, such was his talent as a world-class defensive midfielder.
Despite United’s desperate need for a destroyer in midfield, the Brazilian had to be patient before getting his first meaningful chance at Old Trafford, starting his first four Premier League games on the bench. However, he has been an ever-present figure for Erik ten Hag since making his first league start at Everton earlier this month, proving his importance.
His performance levels have accelerated at an alarming rate, and his performance against Chelsea on Saturday demonstrated why United was correct to sign him. Former Reds center-back Ferdinand has hinted that he found it odd that Ten Hag did not immediately incorporate him into his plans.
“How do you prove yourself with cameos of minimal minutes here and there,” Ferdinand said on Vibe with Five, “but why should he have to prove himself?” You’re not going to Manchester City, and you’re not going to Bayern Munich. You’re joining a team that is in need of improvement.
“You’re bringing in someone for £70million, probably £100million overall package minimum, who won the Champions League a couple of months ago and saying ‘prove yourself to get in this team. It’s not the Man United of old. It’s Europa League Man United.
“He isn’t 18 years old. If Casemiro comes through, the door has to be opened, welcome him in and play because we know what you’re bringing.”
The Brazilian, who will have aspirations of helping his country at the World Cup in Qatar next month, has quickly cemented himself as, arguably, the best defensive midfielder in the Premier League. Recent comparisons have been made, comparing his style with Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey.
However, Ferdinand believes Casemiro is streets ahead of the Ghanaian international, adding: “Partey is a really good player, he’s been really good. He’s not the right player to play holding midfielder for Man United.
“We’re talking about a player many rungs up. Many rungs. It’s like saying before we had Fred and [Scott] McTominay in the central defensive-midfield position would you not have taken Partey? Well, yes, I would have, but what does that prove?
“All I’m saying is, we’re talking about Casemiro against Partey and it’s not a competition.”
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