Ferdinand praises Casemiro signing but says Man Utd overpaid

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has praised his old side's latest piece of transfer business after Manchester United confirmed they had reached an agreement with Real Madrid for the signing of Brazilian midfielder Casemiro.

United this evening revealed they had reached an agreement to take Casemiro to Old Trafford in a deal worth £70million, and the world of football has been reacting to the news.

Ferdinand, who made over 450 appearances for United between 2002 and 2014, branded the midfielder as 'the type of player Man United need,' but went on to question the fee involved in the deal and Casemiro's ability to adapt.

'Wow, listen man... that's the type of player Man United need, the type of character Man United need more than anything,' Ferdinand said in a video posted on his YouTube channel.

'He's the type of person, individual. Is he overpriced? Yes.'

Ferdinand did however heap praise on the five-time Champions League winner, who is set to sign a four-year deal at Old Trafford in the coming days.

'The positives I'll start with,' the 43-year-old added.

'First and foremost, the guy's a real winner, he knows how to win, he's been integral in everything positive about Real Madrid in recent years.

'[He has been] one of the main guys alongside the likes of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Karim Benzema.'

Casemiro's move is subject to the agreement of personal terms, but it seems Untied have finally found the midfielder they have been searching for all summer.  

Erik ten Hag's side have been repeatedly rebuffed by several targets, first chasing Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, but off-field issues got in the way and they were eventually forced to give up their pursuit.

Personal terms then prevented Juventus star Adrien Rabiot moving to Old Trafford, but the Red Devils have finally completed a deal, with Casemiro set to join the club officially soon.

Ferdinand added: 'When the big games come along, this guy performs. He knows what he's doing, he's there.

'There's no thrills with him. He isn't a stepover merchant, he isn't a skills man, he isn't someone who wants to get the fans off their seats with a bit of skill. He's there to do a job that means that the team are better off, they run more efficiently, they're going to have a chance of winning because he's in the team. 

'He's first and foremost a team football player, which I love about him. If there's a battle, he's a man you want on your side.'

Ferdinand did however question United's long-term plan with the addition, before sending a warning to fans that it may take time for the player to adapt to the Premier League.

'Are there negatives? Yes there are,' he said.

'Obviously the age, 30 years old, I wouldn't say that's a massive negative, but if you're talking from a business standpoint from the club's perspective, there's going to be zero re-sale value.

'You're probably looking at somewhere near £100million with the wages. If you get change out of that you'll be lucky.

'To come from Spain for Casemiro into a team that is absolutely bereft of any confidence, is absolutely struggling in all areas, tactically especially, physically, mentally... I think it's going to be a huge ask for a 30-year-old to come in, recharge, reboot and go again.

'He's been doing that and been successful in a team that's very well-drilled with consistent players there, consistent method and philosophy, a way of playing.

'[But] he's coming to somewhere now where everything is brand new in terms of the coaching, behind the scenes it's brand new. People starting to try and decipher what's good, what's bad. There's a lot of uncertainty behind the scenes and confidence is very low.

'In the Premier League, the spaces around you are bigger. That's where he may have some difficulty, but if the team is tight around him he'll be fine. You need people that know how to get the job done.'