Former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand thinks Casemiro is superior to Arsenal star midfielder Thomas Partey.
The Brazil international midfielder made a big money move to Manchester United in the summer from Real Madrid after winning five Champions Leagues and several domestic trophies in Spain.
However, Casemiro’s importance has yet to be felt in the same way that Partey’s is at the Emirates Stadium, given the key role that he plays in the midfield.
The Ghanaian is tasked with breaking up transitions to allow the team to maintain pressure, but his recent injury concerns have left the team feeling his absence when he isn’t available.
Casemior’s most recent contribution was a last-gasp equaliser against Chelsea, as his header crept over the line in injury time to earn Man United a point.
“How do you prove yourself with cameos of minimal minutes here and there but also, why should he have to prove himself?” Ferdinand told Vibe with Five.
“You’re not coming into Man City. You’re not coming to Bayern Munich. You’re coming into a team that needs to improve. You’re bringing in someone for £70million, probably £100m overall package minimum, who won the Champions League a couple of months ago and saying, ‘prove yourself to get in this team.’
“It’s not the Man Utd of old. It’s Europa League Man Utd. He isn’t 18 years old. If Casemiro comes through, the door has to be opened. Welcome him in and play because we know what you’re bringing.”
He was then pressed on a comparison with Partey and said: “Partey is a really good player. He’s been really good. He’s not the right player to play holding midfielder for Man Utd. We’re talking about a player with many rungs up, many rungs.
“It’s like saying before we had Fred and McTominay in the CDM position, would you not have taken Partey? Well, yes, I would have, but what does that prove? All I’m saying is we’re talking about Casemiro against Partey, and it’s not a competition.”