Brazilian midfielder Casemiro is set to be unveiled as a new Manchester United player early next week, and the reaction to his exit of his now former Real Madrid teammates shows just how good of a human and player Erik ten Hag is recruiting.
Luka Modric and Toni Kroos need no introduction to anybody. Together with Casemiro they became arguably the greatest midfield trio in the history of the game. However, every good thing must always come to an end. Modric is now 36, Kroos is 32 and Casemiro turned 30 in February.
An eventual split of the group was somewhere along the lines of inevitable with Madrid recently splashing cash on the likes of Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni. Florentino Perez was keen on refurbishing the midfield with high ceiling talent while his current stars were still in their pomp.
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As a result, on Friday, the youngest of the trio officially went his separate way in pursuit of a new challenge as United agreed a deal in principle with the Spanish giants for the services of the decorated defensive midfielder.
Casemiro made 336 Real Madrid appearances in all competitions, spanning over nine seasons. Los Blancos signed the Brazilian from Sao Paulo as a 20-year-old in 2012. He then impressed on loan at FC Porto which won him a place in the squad. The rest, as they say, is history.
A decade later, Casemiro leaves the Spanish capital as a club legend — having won five Champions Leagues, three Spanish titles, three European Supercups, and three Club World Cups just to name some of the major honors in his trophy cabinet.
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However, despite having a CV that the vast majority of footballers can only dream of, some still question United’s decision to bring the midfielder on board — completely disregarding the Reds’ need for a destroyer that would add an extra layer of protection for the permeable back four and fragile goalkeeper.
Casemiro’s pedigree does not need defending. His character would be a welcome addition to any dressing room in world football. His fit at United should not be questioned. He will make Ten Hag’s side better the moment he first steps out onto the grass at Carrington.
If our words are not enough, we will let Modric and Kroos do the talking. The duo took time to pen emotional farewells to their trusty partner for Spanish outlet Marca. After all, bonds like theirs are hard to come by in a lifetime. They’re as rare as the success they experienced together.
Some of Modric’s words read: “Dear Case, I still remember your debut with our club... You were too nervous! I asked you to be calm and now I think about it and see how it turned out. What you've achieved! It was also my first season and neither of us could imagine what football had in store for us.
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“You have become a real leader. You have been for your teammates and for Real Madrid. We will always remember it.
“We have gained a lot together, but I keep the moments that no one sees. With the day-to-day work in Valdebebas. And especially with jokes, because you have always been in a good mood, even in times of tension or when there were failures.”
Kroos by en large echoed the Madrid No.10’s words in — to not much surprise, really. For it is a luxury for players with such finesse, technical ability and attacking fantasy to play with someone like Casemiro.
Not having to worry about whatever mess your giveaways may make behind you is a privilege like no other in football — one that the likes of Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes will be hoping to inherit at Old Trafford.
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In his letter, the German midfielder said: “With you, my dear Case, it was impossible not to break a sweat... in any situation. Because you didn't let us relax even in the Turkish bath. Staying there was another torment: you told someone to go and you almost had stationary bikes and weights ready there.
“A warning to let your new colleagues know. Because with you even the Turkish bath was a gym... and you only allow people to lie down when it's time to do sit-ups.
“I'm going to miss you. Like an exemplary professional. As a top player. Like a fighter who saved me from several... But, above all, as a good person.”
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Modric’s and Kroos’ reactions are a testament to the type of player and, most importantly, person Casemiro is. In the Brazilian, not only are United getting a wonderful footballer; they are also getting a character that is certainly going to lift everyone in the dressing room and elevate expectations and quality of the product on the pitch.
United have been crying out for such a profile of player in recent years. The cries got even louder in recent weeks after what has been a woeful start to life in the Premier League under Ten Hag. Two games, two defeats to — with all due respect — teams the Reds should be beating.
In theory, United too need reinforcements when it comes to ball progression and deep creation. However, that fact did not all of a sudden erase the desperate need for a true defensive midfielder. That hole was still there. Both things can be true.
In Casemiro, United are getting a man who practices the art of defending. He protects his back line like no other. He is a specialist at what he does. One of the best in the business. The definition of world class.
With just a couple of weeks left in the summer transfer window, United’s activity seems to be on the incline with a protest against current ownership looming. It remains to be seen whether Casemiro will be joined by a partner in that time or will Ten Hag have to rely on someone from within to do a job next to the 30-year-old.
Whatever happens, though, the gulf in quality between United’s midfield and those at the top end of the league has just been narrowed.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Casemiro, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Real Madrid