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Manchester United star Raphael Varane was instrumental in Casemiro’s move to Old Trafford by championing a move for his former Real Madrid team-mate.
The Brazilian joined the Red Devils in August for a fee of £60m, which raised eyebrows given he’s 30-year-old and would command wages of around £200,000-a-week on a five-year deal.
United’s move for Casemiro was rather sudden as the club had spent the entire summer focused on signing Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong.
However, they had already sought out Casemiro to ascertain if he’d be keen on a move to the Theatre of Dreams and United’s interest was stronger than simply panicking after two defeats in their opening two league games.
Nevertheless, there was still doubt over the Brazilian’s motive to join the club. He had won five Champions League trophies in the Spanish capital and was still a vital part of Carlo Ancelotti’s side. United, by contrast, haven’t won a trophy in five years.
That saw Erik ten Hag seek out Varane, who spent seven years playing alongside Casemiro at the Bernabeu.
According to the Athletic, Varane gave a glowing reference of Casemiro’s character and his leadership skills, while he gave assurances that the Brazilian is not the type of player to seek an ‘easy pay day’.
Casemiro has certainly quashed any idea he joined the club to down tools, with the Brazilian proving one of United’s sharpest acquisitions in years.
After a chaotic transfer window, Ten Hag’s decisions have been vindicated with Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia and Antony all proving successes so far.
Source:Story by Sean Kearns ,The Mirror