When Casemiro began his adventure at Old Trafford, there was a cloud of skepticism surrounding his arrival. On August 13, as Manchester United suffered a 0-4 defeat against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium, Casemiro witnessed the team's struggles firsthand. Coincidentally, he was also a transfer target for the "Red Devils" at the time.
Rather than rejecting the opportunity to join Manchester United, Casemiro sent a message to his agent, expressing his intention to "fix" the situation. It was a display of the Brazilian midfielder's confidence, backed by his extensive experience as a five-time Champions League winner.
Casemiro's ability to back up his words with actions became evident over the following nine months. The former Real Madrid star proved to be one of the smartest signings Manchester United had made in a decade, leaving no room for dispute.
Initially, doubts were raised about Casemiro's motivation after spending nine successful years at Real Madrid. Questions were raised about his adaptability to English football and how he would overcome the language barrier. Additionally, skeptics questioned whether a 30-year-old defensive midfielder was worth a transfer fee of $60 million and weekly wages of $435,000.
However, the resounding answer to all these concerns was a definitive "yes."
Former Manchester United player Gary Neville, who once doubted the wisdom of signing Casemiro, owes the Brazilian midfielder an apology. The Old Trafford legend had criticized the acquisition, stating, "Manchester United's project is focused on future investments, on young players. And then they bring in a 30-year-old midfielder for £60-70 million. Overall, it's not a smart investment."
Erik ten Hag, the Manchester United coach, recognized Casemiro's value despite the skepticism. The Dutch strategist understood the importance of striking a balance between young and experienced players in a team's development. Relying solely on youth can be a risky gamble, and the Red Devils were lacking in seasoned players who possessed leadership qualities both on and off the pitch.
With Casemiro's arrival, Ten Hag addressed more than just tactical problems. The Brazilian midfielder's presence brought a sense of maturity, class, and championship experience to the squad. His impact extended beyond the pitch, providing leadership and guidance in the dressing room, a quality that had been missing.
As Casemiro continued to excel at Old Trafford, it became evident that his unexpected performance had extinguished any remaining doubts. The Brazilian star had proven himself as a valuable asset to Manchester United, and his smart signing had far surpassed initial skepticism.
