Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt now regrets not playing with Casemiro and admits that he was wrong to write the Brazilian off.
Casemiro has swiftly established himself as one of the most crucial players at Old Trafford following his £70 million transfer from Real Madrid in the summer of last year
At the Bernabeu, the Brazilian won three La Liga titles and five Champions League trophies, but Butt was worried that at age 31 he was past his prime.
However, Butt was quickly won over by Casemiro and now praises the midfielder for his “fantastic” work in helping the Red Devils climb up the Premier League table and lift the Carabao Cup. The 48-year-old has changed his stance on the five-time Champions League winner after admitting that the Brazilian has proved himself at United.
As reported by the Metro, he said:
“I didn’t think he took it to it that well when he started at United. 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 at that point!”
“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 a throwback midfielder.”
“I must admit I thought he was an ageing player leaving one big club and coming to another one for money. That’s me being honest. But what he has done, he looks like a proper leader, a proper guy. I always look at people and think, “would I like to play with him?” and he is one of them.”
Alongside Marcus Rashford, Casemiro has been one of the best players under Erik ten Hag. His recent goal against Newcastle United helped the Red Devils overcome the Magpies last week.
Casemiro was also added to the list for the February Player of the Month award. However, Rashford grabbed the coveted prize once again.
United would need the Brazilian to show his magic once again as Ten Hag’s side will be facing a tough test against Liverpool on Sunday.
