Welcome to Man Utd! Casemiro to appear amid anti-Glazer protest
Karan Tejwani
- 22 Aug 2022 07:45 BST
- 3 min read
Manchester United have agreed a fee with Real Madrid for the transfer of midfielder Casemiro, and the player is set to make an appearance in their game against Liverpool at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils agreed a £60 million fee, plus £10 million in add-ons for one of the world’s best defensive midfielders as they hope for a boost for the rest of the season.
However, Casemiro’s first appearance won’t be in the official match, as he hasn’t yet completed his formalities to officially sign for the club and isn’t allowed to play.
In 2021, Raphael Varane got similar treatment, when he was given a moment on the pitch before a match against Leeds United, before making his official debut for the club a week later.
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Instead, this will act as a presentation in front of the Manchester United supporters, and the Brazilian will present himself to the Old Trafford crown before kick-off.
He’ll also get a taste of the fans’ anger, as this may clash with their protests against the Glazer family’s ownership of the club, which have been planned for a few weeks.
The protests have been in the works for a while, and calls for it have only intensified in recent days after the club’s poor start to the domestic season and the continued silence from the owners.
There are several methods of protest planned: at first, fans will refuse to attend the ground and keep it empty for the opening minutes of the match against Liverpool, which is usually their biggest of the domestic season.
Seen a few rival fans suggesting that if we get a few signings in we'll stop protesting and be cool with the Glazers. Reminder of the protests that took place in 2010, having won the league three years on the bounce and playing in two consecutive CL finals. pic.twitter.com/VVV5V5MZjU
— Scott Patterson (@R_o_M) August 19, 2022
There have already been images circulating online about the extra security measures taken by the club, having put up fences and barriers around the stadium in case things get violent.
Previously, fans have managed to get a Manchester United match postponed due to protests – that too was against Liverpool in 2021, after the club agreed to join the now-failed European Super League project.
Casemiro may be given a welcome when he enters the pitch, but the mood around will still be sour as the fans’ patience with the owners has run out, and anger is at an all-time high.
It’s expected that the Brazilian will be registered in time for the Red Devils’ next league game, which is against Southampton away from home on Saturday afternoon.
