• [Daily Mirror Icon]
• Sport
• Football
• Gary Neville

Gary Neville insists Man Utd star would not be signed today as 140m decision slammed

Gary Neville has criticised Manchester United's recruitment in recent years, using the 140m investment in Casemiro as an example of the club's poor transfer strategy

[Gary Neville on his podcast]

View 2 Images

Gary Neville believes Casemiro wouldn't be signed by Manchester United today(Image: The Gary Neville podcast)

Gary Neville has questioned Manchester United's recent recruitment strategy and used the 140million they've splashed out on Casemiro in transfer fees and wages as a prime example. The club legend also maintained that the midfielder, who will depart the club on a free transfer this summer, wouldn't be signed by the club today.

Casemiro has hit his stride this season, netting seven goals. On Sunday, he headed United into the lead against Aston Villa to bolster their top four aspirations, with supporters inside Old Trafford chanting for him to stay "one more year".

The 34-year-old had a challenging time in his second and third seasons at the club, with United recruiting Manuel Ugarte in 2024 and constantly being linked with another high-profile signing.

[Why Manchester United have made the right call with ruthless Casemiro decision]

OPINION

Casemiro's switch from Real Madrid nearly four years ago saw him agree to personal terms of around 350,000 per week. It's reported that his salary dropped to below 300,000 this season and last, due to the reduction following failure to qualify for the Champions League.

In the most recent episode of The Gary Neville podcast, the ex-United defender named Casemiro's transfer to Manchester as a prime example of the club's flawed recruitment and habitual overspending on players. "This is nothing to do with Casemiro but Man United's recruitment for many many years and overpaying," he clarified.

FOLLOW OUR MAN UTD FB PAGE! Latest United news and more on our dedicated Facebook page

"They've invested 140m in Casemiro, 20m in wages and 60m in a fee, that's not a smart move because they're now losing him for nothing.

"If you're shelling out 140m over four years, you'd anticipate some sort of return at the end of it, it's not a deal that Man United would agree to today and you see that with [Senne] Lammens, [Benjamin] Sesko and [Bryan] Mbeumo, they've got potential, this type of deal won't occur at the football club again, I hope.

"This is not a criticism of Casemiro because he's given his absolute all, his legs have let him down and there was a phase of his career where he appeared heavier, I don't know what transpired, but he looks fitter, leaner, more liberated and he's doing a fantastic job but you can't claim it's been a sound investment at 140m but that's not Casemiro's fault.

[Manchester United's Casemiro]

View 2 Images

Casemiro will depart Manchester United at the end of the season(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)

"I think the rumour has it when he got offered the money (by United), he couldn't believe it and he had to go, he's given everything for the last four years. Man United are in a different place now, well done to Casemiro, leaving and being a big influence in the Champions League is enormous, it gives the money back into the club to reinvest and to just be in the Champions League. He's done a great job this season."

Demands for Casemiro to pen a fresh contract at United and remain for next season have grown in recent weeks. Michael Carrick didn't dismiss the possibility after the match against Villa, but it's understood that no internal conversations have taken place about a change of heart to retain the Brazilian at the club.

United are convinced that the savings of more than 18m annually on wages can be deployed to bolster the squad, with two additions in central midfield planned for the summer.

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

[Content Image]

44

Sky

Get the deal here

Product Description

Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

[Daily Mirror Icon]

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.