Rio Ferdinand has picked out a couple of problems regarding Manchester United’s new signing Casemiro.
The Red Devils confirmed on Friday that they have reached an agreement to sign the Brazil international from Real Madrid.
The deal is expected to cost up to £70million, with £60million paid upfront and additional £10m in add-ons.
Casemiro brings a wealth of experience to Old Trafford, having won three La Liga titles and five UEFA Champions Leagues with Real Madrid.
But Red Devils legend Ferdinand sees some negatives, including the fee paid, his age and resale value, as well as the adaption to the team.
‘Is he overpriced? Yes,’ Ferdinand told FIVE. ‘Are there negatives? Yes there are. ‘Obviously the age, 30 years old. I wouldn’t say that’s a massive negative but I think if you’re talking from a business standpoint there’s gonna be zero resale value.
‘So it’s £60m, plus £10m add-ons, and then obviously you bounce on top of that the wages. So you’re probably looking somewhere near £100m – if you get change out of that, you will be lucky.
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‘In a time when we don’t have the finances, it doesn’t seem we can bring big players we have put it all into him. So he needs to work.
‘To come from Spain for Casemiro into a team that is absolutely bereft of any confidence, is absolutely struggling in all areas, tactically especially, physically, mentally.
‘I think it’s going to be a huge ask for a 30-year-old to come in, recharge, reboot and go again.’
But Ferdinand is, however, happy to have a proven winner in the United team who can perform in the big games.
‘First and foremost, the guy’s a real winner, he knows how to win, he’s been integral in everything positive about Real Madrid in recent years,’ Ferdinand added.
‘[He has been] one of the main guys alongside the likes of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Karim Benzema. Cristiano [Ronaldo] before that.
‘When the big games come along, this guy performs. He knows what he’s doing, he’s there. ‘There’s no thrills with him. 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.’
