Manchester United’s transfer policy continues to be criticised by Liverpool legend and pundit Jamie Carragher.
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The ex-England centre-back has used the example of the Red Devils’ purchase of Casemiro as an example of a “panic buy” when compared to Premier League rivals Arsenal biding their time to land Declan Rice or Chelsea spending big on Moises Caicedo.
Although both Arsenal and Chelsea splashed more money, Carragher believes that both players offer a better return on investment.
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“He was a panic buy when he joined a year ago, bought in the immediate aftermath of the failed pursuit of Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona; 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,” Carragher writes in the Telegraph.
“United are now being strongly linked with players such as Sofyan Amrabat to help Casemiro protect their back line, but they did not challenge Arsenal and Chelsea for Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, Fernandez or Rice because they felt Casemiro was the same profile of midfielder when they went big for him.
“That demonstrates how unwise they were to pay so much. Real Madrid simply do not allow players of that ilk leave unless they feel they have had the best from them. Given Casemiro has four years left on a reported £300,000-a-week Old Trafford contract, United still have a massive financial commitment on their hands. It has already cost them the chance to buy a younger alternative.”
Carragher believes that Man Utd need to invest again in the midfield, despite spending big on Mason Mount to sign him from Chelsea earlier this summer.
“For now, the balance is not right with Casemiro alongside Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandez. Fernandez is a No 10, not a central midfielder, while Mount needs time to settle at his new club,” he said, using the example of Monday’s 1-0 win over Wolves.
“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.
“It reminded me of seeing Fabinho struggling for Liverpool at the start of last season, a situation briefly fixed when Trent Alexander-Arnold moved alongside him prior to the Brazilian being sold. Although it was only one game, it was a worry for United supporters.
“Now there is a danger United may have an expensive luxury they cannot afford. They will not be title contenders until they find a Rodri, Caicedo or Rice of their own. After paying £70 million for someone who could do the job five years ago but will continue to struggle to match his previous high standards, the current market suggests they will need another £100 million for the midfielder to do so for the next five years.”
