Graeme Souness ' glum prediction for how Casemiro would fare at Manchester United has proven to be way wide of the mark.
The Red Devils shelled out £70million to sign the 30-year-old midfielder from Real Madrid in August, prompting Souness to label him a "steady Eddie" and state that the fee was "too much money." The Liverpool legend also claimed that Casemiro wouldn't improve United in possession, but his immense performances this season - particularly in Tuesday's 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest - certainly suggest otherwise.
"He is 30 years old and it's £70m. Too much money. It is Manchester United all over again," Souness bemoaned to TalkSPORT shortly after Casemiro arrived at Old Trafford. "Manchester United will pay a premium because it is Manchester United and the Premier League and people know it's awash with money. But I don’t see him making them any better when they have the ball."
Casemiro's display against Nottingham Forest was arguably his finest for the Red Devils, even registering a rare assist to setup Brazilian compatriot Fred for a late clincher in the closing stages. The former Real Madrid stalwart's performance was summed up by the stats, as on top of his assist he won five tackles, made three clearances, played three key passes and managed two interceptions.
And it was his crunching tackle in the left-back position which set up United's second goal, as opening goalscorer Marcus Rashford turned provider for Anthony Martial to make it 2-0. To no one's surprise, Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag was delighted with Casemiro's display post-match.
In his interview with Prime Video, the United boss was asked about the Brazil international's standout showing, to which he emphatically replied: "I can't deny that, I can only confirm it! It is a pleasure to work with Casemiro and everyone sees how important his role is and the level he brings into the team is huge."
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Former Red Devils left-back Patrice Evra was in full agreement, delcaring: "Casemiro is the heart of this team. It took long for him to start, I remember at the beginning of the season every fan didn't understand why Casemiro wasn't starting but now you can see. He is a player who has won five Champions League 's so I am not surprised about this performance."
Alan Shearer even named Casemiro his Man of the Match, adding after Fred scored United's third goal: "That's why Casemiro is my man of the match. He has been fantastic in stopping Forest attacking. He sees the picture quicker than anyone else. He looks up, he picks the pass. He strides forward and puts it into Fred's path. He just reads the game so well. Good finish also. Game over."
