Sir Jim Ratcliffe proved right about Casemiro after delivering brutal Man Utd transfer verdict
Watching Manchester United’s 4-0 drubbing against Crystal Palace on Monday evening will have done little to change Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s convictions on his team.
Since purchasing a 27.7 per cent stake in the club earlier this season, the INEOS founder has instigated an Old Trafford overhaul. United have seen the arrivals of Omar Berrada from Manchester City as new chief executive and Jason Wilcox as technical director, while John Murtough has left his role of football director.
There is the potential for even greater movement in the playing squad this summer following a subpar season that sees the club sitting in eighth. Erik ten Hag has also had a miserable second year in charge of United, with the squad lacking players who have improved their reputation.
With few names escaping Manchester United’s transfer list, it is perhaps little surprise that former Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro is a player the club are open to selling. The Brazilian arrived in the north west in a £70million deal from Real Madrid in August 2022.
It was a move that frustrated Ratcliffe before he made his investment in the club. The 32-year-old’s signing was highlighted by the billionaire during a presentation by United’s hierarchy as the INEOS chief deliberated a bid in March 2023.
The co-owner suggested United’s business had not always been prudent, with the veteran’s big-money move a perfect example. And despite an impressive first season, Casemiro has struggled to repeat his form in 2023/24.
The veteran has been the target of Manchester United criticism and Jamie Carragher pointed to his performance against Crystal Palace. The Liverpool legend believes the star’s time at the top is over.
Casemiro battles with Eberechi Eze
“I said at half-time that he had to bring Casemiro off,” explained Carragher on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football. “I know he’s got kids on the bench but I think Casemiro – I am being deadly serious – should know himself tonight, as an experienced player, that he should only have another three games at the top level, the next three league games and the FA Cup final, and thinking ‘I need to go the MLS or Saudi [Pro League] ‘.”
Carragher added: “I am being deadly serious. His agent or the people around him need to tell him it has to stop. We are watching one of the greats in modern times, played in one of the best midfielders in modern time – him holding [Toni] Kroos and [Luka] Modric on either side, who could easily go up against the Barcelona midfield we all know and loved.
“I am nowhere near the level of what that man achieved, but I always remember something when I retired. It was a saying I always remember as a footballer. Leave the football before the football leaves you. The football has left him at the top level. He needs to call it a day at this level of football and move.”
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