Manchester United pulled off a signing nobody believed possible at the start of the week, agreeing a deal for Real Madrid ace Casemiro.
United announced a deal in principle for the midfielder, the most significant transfer move the club has made this summer.
Having agreed the transfer, a big decision awaits Erik ten Hag once Casemiro is eligible to play for the club.
The manager should now make Casemiro captain of Manchester United.
READ MORE: Confirmed Manchester United transfers, ins, outs, loans, releases for 2022/23
Make Casemiro captain
Casemiro is one of three multiple time Champions League winners in Manchester United’s dressing room, joining former Real Madrid teammates Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo.
It makes little sense to have Harry Maguire captaining the club and instructing these three proven winners around. United have tried it with Maguire as captain – it hasn’t worked.
Ten Hag has stuck with Maguire as skipper so far, but this may simple be because he hasn’t decided on the right alternative.
Ronaldo is on a short-term deal and has been angling for a move away, while Varane’s fitness issues may have led him to decide switching captain to him simply wasn’t worth it.
Now the perfect alternative candidate has arrived. Casemiro should be Manchester United captain.
Maguire’s place is under pressure against Liverpool in any case due to poor form. He should not be an automatic pick, and relinquishing the captaincy may actually help him, by relieving some pressure.
Casemiro is the ideal player to take the armband and take Manchester United forward. After a terrible start to the season, it’s clear the team needs new leadership on the pitch.
The Brazilian has the qualities to be a regular pick, he is crucial to the team’s chances of success, and he has the CV as a five-time Champions League winner to hold the respect of the dressing room without saying a word.
He won’t stay silent though, that’s not his style. Casemiro is the type of character who will push this team and his teammates.
Toni Kroos’ farewell message, via Goal, said: “With you, my dear Case, it was impossible not to break a sweat… in any situation. Because you wouldn’t let us relax even in the Turkish bath! Meeting there was another torment: you would tell someone to go and you always had exercise bikes and weights ready. That’s a warning for your new colleagues to know, because with you even the Turkish bath was a gym… and you only allow people to lie down when it’s time to do sit-ups!”
This is the type of player United are getting, a natural leader. He starred in a Real Madrid side which led fightbacks against top teams to win the Champions League last season, never knowing when to quit.
Casemiro’s arrival gives United the chance to reset tactically, and spiritually. His arrival can be a culture changer, and Ten Hag must let him lead properly.
Giving the new signing the armband can change the club’s future for the better. It would be a bold call, and it’s one which makes a lot of sense.
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