Man Utd have had their ‘trousers pulled down’ over two flop transfers, says Graeme Souness
GRAEME SOUNESS has claimed Manchester United had “their trousers taken” with two major flop transfers.
The Red Devils signed Raphael Varane from Real Madrid for £41million in 2021 and Casemiro for £70million in 2022.
Varane, 28, who won four Champions League at Los Blancos was allowed to leave the Bernabeu due to his age and ongoing injury issues.
And a year later United then secured ageing midfielder Casemiro, 32, from Real Madrid.
Both stars have been underwhelming since their move to Old Trafford with Varane sidelined many times due to injury and Casemiro’s increasing lack of mobility becoming an issue at the club.
Souness has slammed the Red Devils transfer once again after he labelled Casemiro a “steady Eddie” after his arrival 18 months ago.
The Liverpool legend said his previous comments were justified and added United had their “trousers taken” because of the price they paid for the two flop signings.
Speaking on William Hill‘s Three Up Front podcast, the Souness stated via the MEN: “Yeah he [Casemiro] can point to the medals which he won but he was a bit-player in a very special team.
“I never saw him coming to United and being the difference. I saw him as ‘he’s okay, not a big player’.
“I think they’ve had their trousers taken with both Raphael Varane and him. If you’ve got something to offer Real Madrid don’t sell you.
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
“Real Madrid sold Raphael Varane and Casemiro to Man United. They [United] paid a premium and I’m sure they’re on lots of money those two and it’s a football decision, that I feel, they got wrong again.
Varane has just 67 appearances during his three seasons at the club but has missed a chunk of games again this campaign due to a muscle injury.
Souness continued: “Casemiro has been found out, not stitched up. If you’re a big player and you’ve got the chance to go United, you’re going to take it to make them better.”
In his first term at the club, the Brazil captain thrived netting seven times from central midfield.
But in the turn of a year, his form dropped off after an injury in the early part of the season and suffered woeful performances against Liverpool and Crystal Palace.