Manchester United supporters were handed a double boost on Monday, with new £60m signing Casemiro unveiled before Erik ten Hag's team beat Liverpool, and Rio Ferdinand has already given the fans an idea of what to expect.
Casemiro arrives with an impressive CV, having started each of Real Madrid's last four Champions League final victories. The last of those came against Liverpool in May, the second time Madrid defeated Jurgen Klopp's side in Europe in as many years.
The Brazil international could make his Premier League debut on Saturday as Ten Hag's men take on Southampton, though the manager may prefer to name an unchanged side. Either way, former United defender Ferdinand showered the midfielder with praise after one of those Liverpool wins to give the travelling fans something to be excited about.
“An excellent footballer," the ex-defender told BT Sport in April 2021. "He does all the graft, all the hard yards, all of the ugly stuff, but with a bit of quality as well.
“I’ve seen him live a good few times - today, even his passing was top drawer. In tight situations, finding the spare man, but knowing where to be.
“The most tackles, most regains of the ball today on the pitch out of any player. A complete understanding of the defensive midfielder role in a football team.”
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Ferdinand's comments came after a dominant performance from Casemiro against Liverpool in a Champions League quarter-final. The Spanish side took a 3-1 first-leg lead to Anfield, and frustrated their English opponents in a goalless draw to progress to the final four.
Casemiro had left Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp fuming with one first-half challenge. However, when the pair exchanged words on the pitch at the final whistle, there was a sense that Klopp could only show respect for one of the key men in the opposition side.
The challenge will now be translating that impressive form to English football. However, new teammate Raphael Varane - who spent a number of years with the 30-year-old in Madrid - is in no doubts.
“I know perfectly his quality," Varane said. "He can bring this balance to the team and his mentality.
"He's a warrior, so I think he will really enjoy English football. I think it was a perfect night for him to meet Old Trafford, because the atmosphere was absolutely amazing, and he brought a victory, so it was nice.”
Varane made the same switch in 2021, but insisted Casemiro didn't need his input to know he was making the right move. “I know exactly what he feels and why he's coming here after what he lived in Madrid," the French international added. "He needs a new challenge, I know exactly what he feels, and I know exactly why he chose this club."
