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    Rio Ferdinand blasts Casemiro transfer to Man Utd for being overpriced, having zero resale value and star’s mobility

    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.
    Casemiro has joined Manchester United following a deal with Real MadridCredit: Getty
    Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand believes there are negatives behind Casemiro’s arrivalCredit: Getty
    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.” More

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    Casemiro move to Man Utd CONFIRMED in £70million deal – but Real Madrid star WON’T be able to play against Liverpool

    MANCHESTER UNITED have confirmed a deal has been reached with Real Madrid to sign Casemiro.The Brazilian, 30, is now reportedly set to agree a four-year contract with the option of an extra year.
    Casemiro will cost Manchester United £70millionCredit: Getty
    He is Erik ten Hag’s fourth addition of the summer and SunSport understands a £60million fee has been agreed, which could rise to £70m.
    Casemiro could make his debut against Southampton next week after United missed the deadline to register him in time for Monday’s clash with Liverpool.
    The midfielder needs to finalise personal terms to complete the transfer and is set to earn £350,000-a-week.
    The transfer is also subject to UK visa requirements and the Brazilian completing a medical.
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    Casemiro is expected to travel to Manchester in the next 48 hours to undergo a medical and finalise paperwork now Real have given the green light.
    Casemiro spent eight years at Real and departs having scooped 18 major trophies including five Champions League titles, while also chipping in with 31 goals in 336 games.

    Real manager Ancelotti confirmed the switch earlier on Friday saying: “I have spoken with Casemiro. Casemiro wants to try a new challenge, and I and the club understand that.
    “After all, he’s done for this club, we need to respect his decision.
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    “Negotiations are ongoing but he has decided to leave Real Madrid.”
    Ancelotti continued: “Casemiro is leaving but we have a lot of resources to replace him. There is no turning back, Casemiro has decided to try a new challenge.
    “We want to wish him the very best. Just yesterday I realised that Casemiro is leaving, but our plans don’t change – we’ll compete for everything with or without Casemiro.” More

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    What makes Casemiro so good and why he could finally get Man Utd’s midfield ticking as Real Madrid transfer edges closer

    CASEMIRO will be a success at Manchester United if Erik ten Hag uses him the right way.That’s according to La Liga expert and former Red Devils striker Terry Gibson.
    Manchester United are set to complete the signing of Casemiro from Real MadridCredit: Rex
    Spanish football analyst Gibson explains why the Brazilian will help Ten Hag get the best out of his defenceCredit: Rex
    The Old Trafford club have settled on a £60million transfer fee with Real Madrid for the 30-year-old midfielder.
    Casemiro has already agreed personal terms on a deal worth a whopping £350,000-a-week.
    Boss Erik ten Hag is looking to improve his defensive unit following a humiliating 4-0 defeat at Brentford.
    And Gibson says the Brazilian, if part of the right system, will provide Ten Hag with a sizeable upgrade.
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    He told SunSport: “Casemiro is a serial winner in terms of his mentality.
    “It might be a tough start for him right now at Man Utd but if you look at his qualities, his pedigree, his career, and his experience – it should be a success.
    “But I think it’s important that United use him exactly the same way as Madrid did.
    “I think it would be disrespectful to Fred and McTominay [to say he’ll replace them both], but you are talking about a player that’s played for Real Madrid for a decade and won five Champions Leagues.
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    “He should be an obvious upgrade. My hope is that he’ll play in front of the back four on his own.
    “He should be that first line of defence in front of the back four.
    “I hope for United’s sake they can ask him to do exactly the same job he did at Real, which is quite straightforward but he does it really well and really effectively.
    “I think he’s better suited playing as that one holding midfield player and allowing others to go and express themselves.”
    Gibson lauds Casemiro’s character and insists the three-time La Liga champion will bring some toughness to United’s midfield.
    He added: “His aggression is good. I think the Premier League will suit him in terms of aggression.
    “In Spain, he got away without picking up a red card. He is clever at making professional fouls, and cynical fouls, yet only picking up one yellow rather than two.
    “He’s always been clever enough to get away with it to be honest.
    “Personality wise, he is really good. He’s a great personality. He rubs people the wrong way if you don’t support the team he’s playing on.”
    The former forward says ‘serial winner’ Casemiro will add aggression to the clubCredit: Rex
    Some have suggested that those in charge at Manchester United need to focus on the team rather than trying to build a brand.
    Criticism has been fired at the club’s transfer strategy for chasing players who don’t want to come or aren’t available.
    However, Gibson reckons Casemiro could start to give the Old Trafford faithful something to cheer about.
    He explained: “United supporters will be clapping because he’ll be mopping up danger and putting his foot in, spotting things, covering the fall backs or defending just in front of the back four.
    “Of course, that’s what they need. That’s what they’ll be clapping for.
    “He’s most effective in covering the gaps that the other players leave, whether that’s his midfield team-mates, full-backs or even centre-backs.
    “He’s excellent at attacking set-pieces, getting onto knock downs from corners and free kicks because of his determination and his will to win.
    “He isn’t lightning quick, doesn’t get about the pitch a great deal but defensively, he’s solid.
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    “If people are expecting him to start bringing the ball down and beating two or three players then they’re interested in Frenkie de Jong, two totally different players.
    “Casemiro will catch the eye if Man Utd start conceding less goals, more clean sheets. You know, people might then appreciate his worth.”
    Terry Gibson spoke to SunSport on behalf of Spanish football podcast La Liga Weekly. More

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    Howe urges Bruno to snub Real Madrid transfer interest and fulfil all his trophy dreams at Newcastle

    EDDIE HOWE told Bruno Guimaraes that he can fulfil all of his dreams at Newcastle. The Toon boss insisted the Brazil midfielder is going nowhere amid interest from Real Madrid, who are looking to replace Manchester United-bound Casemiro. 
    Eddie Howe and Bruno Guimaraes after the win over Nottingham ForestCredit: Getty
    Bruno, who does not have a release clause, has been exceptional since arriving from Lyon for £42million in January. 
    And asked if the Toon Army favourite, 24, could be sold this window, Howe said: “Absolutely not. We want to enhance the group, not take away our best players. 
    “I’ve got no problem with the speculation, it’s a compliment to Bruno and how well he’s done for us. 
    “He’s been incredible and is only going to get better. 
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    “He came here when the club was in a relegation fight, but with no conditions, no way out, no escape clause. 
    “He wanted to fight to keep the club in the Premier League. I thought that showed real, human qualities. He was all-in from day one.
    “I’m sure Bruno’s got huge ambitions going forward in his career and I would embrace that, because he has the ability to achieve special things. 
    “That’s what we’ve got to try to do, give him an opportunity and a platform to fulfil those aims and dreams here.
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    “He’s just started his journey with us and we desperately want him to grow with the team. ”
    Despite making three signings earlier in the summer, there have been no incomings since early July. 
    The frustrated Mags saw a second bid of £25m rejected by Watford for Samba forward Joao Pedro on Thursday. 
    And Howe added: “If there was another Bruno, please let us know! They don’t grow on trees.” More

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    Man Utd working to get Casemiro transfer sealed in the next hours with medical over weekend – but won’t face Liverpool

    MANCHESTER UNITED are hoping to finalise a deal for Casemiro today, according to reports.The Red Devils struck a £60million agreement with Real Madrid for the 30-year-old midfielder earlier this week.
    Casemiro is set to join Man UtdCredit: Getty
    SunSport revealed on Thursday that United chiefs were willing to DOUBLE his salary to a staggering £350,000-a-week in a bid to tempt him to Old Trafford.
    Talks over a four-year contract have been successful so far and are now in the final stages.
    According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Man Utd are working to get the deal completed in the next few hours.
    Casemiro is expected to travel to Manchester within the next 48 hours to complete a medical once Real Madrid have given the green light.
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    The Brazil international has already bid goodbye to his teammates in Madrid.
    Spanish journalist Edu Aguirre claims he held a farewell dinner with close friends ahead of the big move.
    Casemiro is set to leave the Santiago Bernabeu after nine years at Real Madrid.
    He signed for Los Blancos in 2013 and has since made 336 appearances for the club.
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    During his time in Spain he helped the club to five Champions League titles, three Club World Cups and three La Liga titles.
    Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag believes he will be the answer to the squad’s midfield woes.
    The Red Devils currently sit bottom of the Premier League table with no points after losing their opening two fixtures.
    They are now set to take on Liverpool at Old Trafford, but Casemiro will not be available for selection. More

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    Casemiro transfer to Man Utd CONFIRMED by Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti in £60m deal worth £350,000-a-week

    REAL MADRID boss Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Manchester United are set to sign midfielder Casemiro.SunSport exclusively revealed how the Red Devils are closing in on a £60million move for the 30-year-old.
    Manchester United are set to complete the signing of Casemiro from Real MadridCredit: EPA
    Brazilian midfielder Casemiro won 18 trophies during his time with Los BlancosCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Casemiro is set to be soldCredit: Rex
    The player has already agreed personal terms with the Old Trafford outfit where he is expected to pocket a whopping £350,000-a-week.
    Casemiro trained with his Los Blancos team-mates on Friday morning ahead of the club’s clash against Celta Vigo on Saturday, before saying his goodbyes, according to Fabrizio Romano.
    And Ancelotti has stated that he has informed the LaLiga giants of his desire for a new challenge having spent nine years at the Bernabeu.
    Speaking in his pre-match press conference, he said: “I have spoken with Casemiro.
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    “Casemiro wants to try a new challenge, and I and the club understand that.
    “After all, he’s done for this club, we need to respect his decision.
    “Negotiations are ongoing but he has decided to leave Real Madrid.”
    Ancelotti continued: “Casemiro is leaving but we have a lot of resources to replace him. There is no turning back, Casemiro has decided to try a new challenge.
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    “We want to wish him the very best. Just yesterday I realised that Casemiro is leaving, but our plans don’t change – we’ll compete for everything with or without Casemiro.
    “I think Casemiro has been a key player for us, he was important to [Toni] Kroos and [Luka] Modric – the combination was key to success.
    “Casemiro’s team-mates understand his decision, they respect it – it was his will to try a new challenge and we have to accept it.”

    Ancelotti then expressed his confusion as to why the player has decided to swap the Champions League for a team sitting bottom of the Premier League table.
    He remarked: “I can’t reply to why Casemiro traded European Champions for a struggling side, it’s his personal decision.”
    Casemiro has been allowed to depart with Real able to rely on French duo Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni in central midfield.
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    The ex-Porto loanee departs Real having scooped 18 major trophies including five Champions League titles, while also chipping in with 31 goals in 336 games.
    United are hoping to confirm the transfer before Monday’s match with rivals Liverpool at the Theatre of Dreams.
    Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag has made landing a midfielder a top priority this summerCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd wages revealed with Casemiro set to become third-highest earner on mega-money deal from Real Madrid

    CASEMIRO will become the third highest paid player at Manchester United should he complete a transfer from Real Madrid.The Brazilian, 30, is being heavily linked with a £60million move to Old Trafford to help bolster new boss Erik ten Hag’s midfield.
    Casemiro would be United’s third highest earner
    United are closing in on a £60m deal for CasemiroCredit: Getty
    And to tempt the five-time Champions League winner to leave Real, United are willing to DOUBLE Casemiro’s wages.
    Casemiro would earn an eye-watering £350,000-a-week at Man Utd, making him the third highest paid player at the club.
    The midfielder would only be behind Cristiano Ronaldo and David de Gea, while being level with Jadon Sancho.
    The club hope to confirm a deal before Monday’s Premier League clash with Liverpool.
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    It will be a much-needed boost for the ailing Red Devils who sit bottom of the Premier League after two opening defeats.
    However, some have questioned the move, and whether Casemiro’s age is the right profile of player United should be signing.

    Many players in their 30s still perform consistently in the Premier League.
    One Twitter user said: “When [Kevin] de Bruyne, who is older than Casemiro, signed a contract to keep him at City until 2025, I don’t remember anyone questioning his age.
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    “Maybe I missed it? Mad how the smallest thing becomes a massive deal when it’s United.”
    United’s summer recruitment has been criticised with just three players arriving in left-back Tyrell Malacia, centre-back Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen.
    United have failed to get a deal for their No1 target Frenkie de Jong over the line.
    Rivals Chelsea are now in pole position for him but the player is still refusing to leave Barcelona until they have settled his backdated wages believed to be around £20m.
    In recent days, moves for Hirving Lozano from Napoli have been mentioned.
    And like most of Ten Hag’s targets, he has played in Holland.
    Atletico Madrid’s Yannick Carrasco is another player being linked with United. More

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    Man Utd will DOUBLE Casemiro’s Real Madrid salary to staggering £350k a week to seal £60million transfer for Brazil star

    CASEMIRO will become one of Manchester United’s all-time top earners in a £60million switch from Real Madrid.The 30-year-old defensive midfielder will double his salary by signing a four-year deal worth a staggering £350,000 a week.
    Casemiro is on course to double his wages when he completes his £60m transferCredit: AFP
    The midfielder will be behind just Cristiano Ronaldo and David de Gea for wages at Man UtdCredit: AFP
    Only Cristiano Ronaldo on £480,000 a week and goalkeeper David de Gea on £375,000 a week will earn more at Old Trafford.
    United’s football director John Murtough has made progress in the last couple of days in completing the deal for the Brazilian international and former Real team-mate of Ronaldo.
    The club hope to confirm a deal before Monday’s Premier League clash with Liverpool.
    It will be a much-needed boost for the ailing Red Devils who sit bottom of the Premier League after two opening defeats.
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    Their summer recruitment has been criticised with just three players arriving in left-back Tyrell Malacia, centre-back Lisandro Martinez and midfielder Christian Eriksen.
    United have failed to get a deal for their No1 target Frenkie de Jong over the line.
    Chelsea are now in pole position for him but the player is still refusing to leave Barcelona until they have settled his backdated wages believed to be around £20m.
    United turned their attentions to Juventus’ Adrien Rabiot with Murtough flying to Turin to meet his agent and mother Veronique.
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    That deal collapsed over wage demands.
    Now it looks like United are about to get this one done.
    Casemiro has been at Real Madrid almost a decade after moving there from Sao Paulo in 2013.
    A regular since then he has won five Champions Leagues, three LaLigas and three Club World Cups.
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    He will join up again with old pal Raphael Varane who made the switch from the Bernabeu to Old Trafford a year ago.
    Casemiro, who has 63 caps for Brazil, will also link up with international team-mate Fred. More