MANCHESTER UNITED legend Rio Ferdinand stated there are negative aspects behind Casemiro’s arrival at Old Trafford.
The Brazilian midfielder put pen to paper on a four-year contract, with the option of an extra year, following a £70million deal with Real Madrid.
The 30-year-old enjoyed a stunning nine-year stint at Real which saw him win three LaLiga titles, the 2014 Copa del Rey and five Champions League trophies.
However, Ferdinand believes the Brazil international’s advanced age, lack of resale value, mobility and zero Prem experience could work against United.
The legendary defender told his Vibe podcast: “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.
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“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.
“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.”
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But Ferdinand insists there are also positives behind Casemiro’s arrival.
The former England international believes United can benefit from the Brazilian’s experience, winner’s mentality, Real success and tactical nous.
Ferdinand added: “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.
“[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.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
