Rio Ferdinand has reacted to the news that Manchester United has agreed on a deal with Real Madrid for Casemiro.
After failing to complete a deal for Frenkie de Jong and refusing to meet Adrien Rabiot’s wage demands, United turned their attention to Casemiro.
The Brazil international enjoyed an illustrious career at Madrid, helping them win three La Liga titles, five Champions Leagues, a Copa del Rey, three UEFA Super Cups, and three FIFA Club World Cups.
United released an official statement on Friday afternoon, confirming that they had reached an agreement with Madrid for the transfer of Casemiro. They will pay an initial £60million but the deal is still subject to the agreement of personal terms, UK visa requirements, and a medical.
Ferdinand, who won six Premier League titles, two League Cups, a Champions League, and a FIFA Club World Cup during his 12 years at Old Trafford, shared his response to the news on his own YouTube channel.
“First and foremost, the guy’s a winner,” Ferdinand said. “He knows how to win, he’s been integral in everything positive about Real Madrid in recent years.
“One of the main guys alongside the likes of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Karim Benzema, Cristiano [Ronaldo] before that, [Sergio] Ramos, [Raphael] Varane.
“He was one of the main guys. You watch him in the big games. When the big games come along, this guy performs. He knows what he’s doing, he’s there.
“There are no thrills with him, he isn’t a stepover merchant, he isn’t a skills man, he isn’t someone that 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 is better off, they run more efficiently, and they’re going to have a chance of winning because he’s in the team. First and foremost, he’s a team football player, which I love about him.
“In the battle, if there’s a situation going on and there’s something that needs sorting out on the pitch, he’s the man you want right by your side.”
But Ferdinand did admit that he has some concerns over the transfer and doesn’t know if the midfielder will be able to adapt.
“Obviously the age, 30 years old,” he said. “I wouldn’t say that’s a massive negative but if you’re talking from a business standpoint from the club’s perspective, there’s going to be zero resale value.
He added: “To come from Spain for Casemiro into a team that is absolutely benefit 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,
“Now he’s been doing that and been successful in a team that’s very well drilled with consistent players there, consistent method and philosophy of way of playing
“He’s coming to somewhere now where everything is brand new in terms of the coaching, behind the scenes it’s brand new. People trying to decipher what’s good, and what’s bad.
“There’s a lot of uncertainty behind the scenes and confidence s very low so he’s coming into a very different situation.”
