"I never believed Casemiro would be value for money."
Casemiro proved to be one of the signings of the summer last year as he helped Man United get back into the top four, but Jamie Carragher still believes that he was a "panic buy."
United signed the midfielder from Real Madrid in the bracket of £60-70m, which isn't unusual in today's financial market, but given that he was already successful, in his thirties, and arguably past his best, Carragher questioned the signing.
Jamie Carragher says Casemiro was a "panic buy" for Man United.
Despite having a brilliant year, there were occasions where the Brazilian's form dipped, and his performance against Wolves on United's first game of the season this year was concerning.
"The 7-0 defeat at Anfield, when Casemiro was subbed after 76 minutes, was a red flag," Carragher said, penning his column for The Telegraph. "United's first performance of the season – a 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday Night Football – was another.
"Casemiro was too often isolated and lacked the dynamism and energy required for such a responsible position. Every time United toiled in the middle, the contrast with the youth and vigour Arsenal and Chelsea have secured with their recent midfield purchases became more pronounced.
"Caicedo and Rice are examples of thinking ahead,' the 45-year-old wrote in The Telegraph. 'Going big now to save cash for the next six or seven years in which they will assume their role.
"I never believed Casemiro would be value for money. Not because there is any doubt that he has been a world-class player.
"But because he is at a stage of his career when he cannot not fully repay United’s massive fee.
Carragher criticises Man United's transfer business.
"He was a panic buy when he joined a year ago,' he continued.
"An ageing, stellar name signed for big money and on a massive salary to appease increasingly disgruntled fans, despite the fact he will need replacing with a similarly massive outlay two years on."
The Sky Sports pundit is making the point that in terms of a long-term plan, Erik Ten Hag potentially paid over the odds for Casemiro.
However, you could make the argument that the five-time Champions League winner has already shown his worth in terms of the long-term plan for Man United, by playing such a central role in getting them back in Europe.
A top-four spot meant that they would make more money as a club, and be more appealing to players that they want to sign.
Ultimately, it's too soon to tell if Casemiro's form has fallen off a cliff, and the Wolverhampton game could be a one-off, but only time will tell.
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