Man United's new signing Casemiro: Everything you need to know

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Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign Casemiro from Real Madrid, but is he the player to save the club?

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Casemiro is one of the best defensive players in the world and has won almost everything there is to win in Madrid.

With 500 career appearances and 47 goals, the Brazil international has won three LaLiga titles and three Spanish Super Cup with Madrid.

At youth level, he has won the South American U-20 Championship, the South American U-23 Championship, the South American U-20 World Cup and the South American U-20 Championship.

What are Man United expecting?

There is a position.

In a 4-3-3 system, Casemiro usually sits in front of the centre-backs. He can help his attacking players in a more box-to-box role, but he is more focused on defense.

One of the best ways for a player to cover his teammates is by moving into the full-back areas. Casemiro is one of the best around, even though he has been compared to Claude Makelele.

By the number.

Casemiro played in 32 of Real Madrid's 38 league games last season and was part of the team that won a double of LaLiga and the European Championship.

Players with over 10 games are included.

2,448 were touched at Real Madrid.

Pass accuracy: 86% (19th)

Recovery: 230 (1st)

Duels won: 57.6% (6th)

Tackles won: 44% (10th)

Chances created: 26 (9th)

Expected goals: 2.62 (8th)

Expected assists: 2.86 (8th)

There are strengths.

Casemiro's departure means Real Madrid lose one-third of their core, three players who complemented each other perfectly and were vital to their recent victories. The Brazilian was the most defensive minded of the three, protecting Madrid's defence, winning the ball back and providing a platform for more attack minded colleagues to flourish.

Casemiro had more ball recoveries than any other player in LaLiga last season, and he plays for a team that tends to dominate possession. He can often be seen helping out his teammate by dropping back into defence. In LaLiga last year, his pass completion rate was 86%, but behind someone like Kroos who had a 94.9% pass completion rate.

Casemiro usually scores from long range. His best ever tally in LaLiga was six goals back in 2020-21, while you might remember his amazing strike againstJuventus in the 2017:

Casemiro was 6th in LaLiga for ball recoveries last season and his defensive actions chart shows how involved he is.

How he can get better.

Casemiro is not expected to contribute frequently in the penalty area. He provided three assists and one goal in LaLiga last year.

It will be fascinating to see how his style meshes with the physical demands of the league. Casemiro has a reputation among opposition fans for avoiding deserved bookings, but he still picked up 11 yellow cards in LaLiga last season.

Man United was interested in something.

Casemiro fills a gaping hole in Manchester United's squad and one that was determined to be fixed from the moment he arrived.

With that deal looking less and less likely to happen, United have turned their attention to Casemiro. When the opportunity came up, United couldn't say no because he was one of the best in his position.

There will be questions about why Real Madrid allowed him to leave, but United's focus is not on those reasons. They should only ask if he immediately improves the team. Casemiro makes United better, even though it doesn't show much of a recruitment plan.

Is he going to fit in at Old Manchester?

Casemiro walks into the team because he is better than anyone else. Is he compatible with the way the Dutch want to play?

The Brazilan is an uncomplicated footballer who wants to win the ball back and give it to someone with more technical ability which is why he was so effective in a three at Real Madrid. Casemiro isn't going to set the pace with his passing, but he is going to make United better defensively. He breaks up play, reads the game well and is comfortable sitting in front of the back four, which is something United have missed.

The United gave up too many goals last season. Casemiro's arrival should correct that.