Man Utd legend reveals Casemiro doubts

Jacque Talbot

• 3 Mar 2023 15:30 CST
• 3 min read

Manchester United legend Nicky Butt has admitted he was wrong about his concerns over the side buying Brazilian midfielder Casemiro.

The former midfielder has stated that he regrets his words after the 31-year-old’s spellbinding impact on Man Utd since moving from Real Madrid over the summer for £60 million.

Butt said to the Daily Mail: “I didn't think he took it to it that well when he started. I thought he looked heavy and sluggish. I don't know if he had trained well before he came. I wasn't sure he could run.

“But what he's done since he took off after three or four games has been amazing. Man of the match every week. He's a bit of an old throwback midfielder. 'I must admit I thought he was an ageing player leaving one big club and coming to another one for money, if I am honest. But what he has done, he looks like a proper leader, a proper guy."

Butt, who was part of Man Utd’s famous treble-winning campaign, continued: “I always look at people and think I would like to play with him and he is one of them. Kevin de Bruyne is another. I love de Bruyne. He looks like a top guy, a top player. Same as Vincent Kompany when he was there at Man City.

“Even though you don't like the team they play for, you would still want them in your team.”

Casemiro given Man Utd lift

Given Casemiro’s veteran age, the move was questioned by many at the time, but the former Los Blancos ace has proved himself to be a huge asset to the side, even opening the scoring for the Red Devils as they beat Newcastle at Wembley 2-0 last Sunday.

Butt played in a similar positon to Casemiro for a decade under Sir Alex Ferguson, during the club’s halcyon years.

Last season, one of the key missing components from Man Utd was their lack of a holding midfielder, but now, in Casemiro, that part has been answered.

It appears that the side will now look to the summer market to bring in a No.8 to fit a bit further ahead, or to be a player who helps in the build-