'I'll fix this!': How humiliating losses pushed Casemiro towards Man Utd transfer

Suraj Radia

• Updated: 23 Jan 2023 20:05 GMT
• 3 min read

Few could have predicted the turnaround at Manchester United after their 4-0 demolition by Brentford in August, which saw the club sit bottom of the Premier League following back-to-back defeats in their opening two games of the season.

The shocking start to Erik ten Hag’s tenure caused major concern at Old Trafford, largely due to United’s ongoing pursuit of Casemiro, with fears that the humiliating losses would have scared the Brazilian away from agreeing to join the club from Real Madrid.

The midfielder was watching the Brentford game at his home in Madrid but his reaction emphasises the character United ended up recruiting, with The Telegraph revealing that Casemiro texted his agent to ‘tell them I’ll fix this’ following the Brentford loss.

RECRUITMENT: How Raphael Varane was key to Casemiro signing

United had been in talks with Casemiro’s representatives since June after the 30-year-old made it clear he was eager to leave Real for United and his desire to join the club never wavered despite their slow start on the pitch.

If anything, Casemiro’s desire is believed to have been strengthened by the notion of a challenge, with reports that he was ‘fixated’ on a move and was further convinced by United’s delegation travelling Madrid to seal a £60 million deal.

United ended up opting for Casemiro after failing in their approach for Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong and completed the move despite Real’s desire to hold onto the player after he made it clear he only had eyes for Manchester.

United’s gamble on experience is paying off in style

Casemiro has arguably been one of the signings of the season in the Premier League, with United having lost just three of the 24 games he has played for the club.

IMPACT: The five best Premier League transfers this season

Eyebrows were raised when the club sanctioned a big-money move for a player in his thirties but the Brazil international’s pedigree and experience has been a huge difference maker on and off the pitch, helping his side push for the top four.

There were fears that United could be burned again after the disappointing outcome of record-signing Paul Pogba’s time at Old Trafford but Casemiro’s attitude has proven night-and-day compared to the Frenchman.

The Telegraph reports that Casemiro is often the first to arrive and last to leave training, with teammates often going to the five-time Champions League winner for advice.

The club also concede less goals and shots per game when he is on the pitch, as well as average more passes into the final third, highlighting just way Ten Hag was so keen to sign him.

With fans long having been desperate for a true, world-class defensive midfielder, United appear to have struck gold in signing an elite player who emphasises Ten Hag's vision for his team as well as the club going forward.