They really need some people who can regularly put it in the 'Ol Onion Bag. One of the weakest forward lines of the "Big" clubs in the PL.
How is Casemiro a cast off? Hes played virtually every game for years for one of the best sides in current times. They're paying alot of money for him, but clubs know they're desperate so will charge more. But in no way, shape or form is he just a cast off. Had a phenomenal career. Exactly what they need. Willian when he joined arsenal was a cast off. He'd still play majority of games for Madrid if he stayed, its just a deal too good to turn down considering the young talent they've purchased in his position recently
He’s a cast off in that Real Madrid have let him go. If he’s the only true leader at the club and so vital to the team why would you sell him? Real Madrid aren’t desperate for cash like Barca. If he was guaranteed to start every week and had to e chance of winning another Champions League and another La Liga, why would he come to plate Europa League football and try to get into the top 4? It reminds me of when Bolton were signing players like Jay Jay Okocha.
Man Utd are a team of individuals and have been for a few years now. Too good individually to be even near-threatened with anything serious (ie relegation), but hearts the size of peas don't win leagues. With Barnsley, I can cope with us being a bit crap, but I can't cope if it feels like I'm watching a bunch of overpaid people who feel disinterested. That's what Man Utd feels like.
Don’t know if that means you have seen the light following my persuasive argument or you have labelled me the casual tyke of football discussion!
So when we sold Hourihane, Aston Villa signed our cast offs? The reason Casemiro wants to join United has nothing to do with Real Madrid. Ancelotti said that Casemiro wants a new challenge... But like most players, it'll be money. He does start virtually every week, plays in all the big games, and more importantly has a wealth of experience. United have been desperate for years for a player of his quality and ability in that position. And he did only turn 30 last month. Can easily play at a very high standard well into his 30s. He could quite easily be the push they need to finish in the top 6, because that midfield is haunting as it stands.
All I’m saying is that if Real wanted to keep him they have more to offer than Man U. When Hourihane left us he left to further his career. To prove himself at a higher level and to have the opportunity to compete in competitions he otherwise wouldn’t have had a chance to. Can’t imagine Casemiro has willingly swapped Champions League for Europa League without being pushed out of Real. Tell me, what was the selling point other than a bigger wage?
£70m is a lot for someone who has already peaked. He will inevitably be on the decline now; nobody knows how steep that downhill will be but he's definitely on it. If you get Casemiro from his last 4 years then it's a bargain. But consider a list of the pros and cons of staying at Real compared to moving Man U. The only pro for moving to Man U is money. So the question is whether he is professional enough to be moving for the money but still put 100% effort in, or if he might toss it off a bit now he's signed his final contract for a fat payday. The only value Utd will get are his performances. If he's mediocre they won't be able to shift him. It might prove to be astute business, but it's a high stakes gamble on his fitness and personality.
I'm not doubting you on that front mate. I think the wages are obscene. 60 million for a 30 year old, when you have very, very good, younger replacements, I think youd be silly to turn that money down for him from a madrid perspective. I think the Champions league thing is a bit of myth though, but pundits love using the line. I think players are desperate to play in it, when theyve never done it consistently. But I don't think theyre that fussed (Unless youre an anomaly i.e Ronaldo wanting to break records). I just think Casemiro knows he'll be paid top dollar at United, and then even potential sponsorships
He only turned 30 last month. Salah is the same age? If Casemiro performs even for 2/3 years and helps them get into Europe, the fee has paid itself
But would you want to sign a player at the end of his career only coming for the money? That’s my point. Man Utd if they are still relevant in the Premier a league should be signing the best players from other teams to supplement their own fantastic youth products. At the moment they’re producing mediocre premier league players and supplementing them with players with no more ambition.
You’re speculating that he’s peaked. Why can’t his last two years and next three years be his peak? Maybe he’s in his peak right now, given Ancelotti was not wanting him to go. I get your points. I really do. But it’s from a very glass half full, some might say negative, position. What if, like a lot of 30 year olds, the thought of playing for Manchester United after winning everything you possibly can at Real Madrid is a dream? The pay rise isn’t as substantial as the length of contract to be honest. He’s also shown no attributes in his career, as a winner, of being any kind of mercenary. My main point is the pedigree and quality they’re getting for £50m up front vs. some of the other players kicking around who won’t achieve 10% in their careers of what Casemiro has. When you take his qualities in to account, yes it’s over the odds, but you’re trying to prize away the Champions League Winners’ top midfielder and you desperately need someone of his ilk.
You could apply that 'if' to a 25 year old. Lukaku, Di Maria, Shevchenko, Pogba, Torres at Chelsea, countless more who joined in their prime and weren't a success
That would be my worry as a United fan too. Same reason Lingard picked Forest over West Ham. You've just got to hope he has enough professionalism about him to perform to his Madrid standards
He hasn’t been pushed out of Real. Ancelotti didn’t want him to leave. But given their recent signings in midfield, and the desire of the player to seek this challenge, they decided to cash in. The Hourihane comparison isn’t relevant in this case to me as that was someone wanting to punch up rather than someone who’s already at the top and might just want to punch somewhere new. A new challenge abroad for a club like Manchester United is still an enticing one to some players.