Chris Sutton admits he got it wrong when labelling Manchester United star a “panic signing”

Add as preferred source on Google

BBC pundit Chris Sutton has admitted he got it wrong when labelling the arrival of Casemiro at Manchester United as a “panic signing”.

It’s no coincidence that Manchester United’s form has dramatically turned round ever since the 30-year-old has become a permanent fixture in Erik ten Hag‘s starting line-up.

After opening the 2022-23 campaign with chastening defeats to Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford, the Red Devils made a big statement by signing the five-time Champions League winner from Real Madrid.

Following a trophy-laden spell in the Spanish capital, the 69-time Brazil international was ready to embark on another challenge and he felt the twenty-time league champions was the perfect destination.

READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loan deals for January 2023

Chris Sutton admits he got it wrong when labelling Casemiro a “panic signing”

Following United’s 6-3 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad in October, Ten Hag handed his number 18 his first Premier League start in the 2-1 win against Everton at Goodison Park, a game in which Casemiro provided the assist for Cristiano Ronaldo score his 700th club goal.

Casemiro has started United’s last 11 top-flight matches and Ten Hag’s men have picked up 26 points from a possible 33.

The former Los Blancos ace played a starring role in United avenging the battering against City in Saturday’s 2-1 win at Old Trafford.

Casemiro’s growing influence at the Theatre of Dreams has resulted in Sutton having to eat some humble pie.

Speaking via BBC Sport (17/01 – 1.54pm), Sutton said: “I thought Casemiro was a panic signing at the time. I will hold my hands up – he has been brilliant.”

Ten Hag’s men will be targeting a tenth consecutive win across all competitions when the Reds travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace tomorrow night.

Like his compatriot Fred, Casemiro would miss Sunday’s clash away to Arsenal through suspension if he picked up a yellow card against Patrick Vieira’s Palace.