Gary Neville has criticised Manchester United's transfer strategy, using the £140million spent on Casemiro as a prime example of poor recruitment. The club legend stated that the midfielder, who will leave on a free transfer this summer, would not be signed by the club today.
Casemiro has enjoyed a strong season, scoring seven goals, including a header against Aston Villa that boosted United's top-four hopes. However, his £350,000-per-week wages and £60million transfer fee from Real Madrid nearly four years ago represent a total outlay of £140m, with no return expected as he departs for nothing.
Neville argued on his podcast that such a deal would not happen under the current recruitment regime, which now targets younger players with potential like Senne Lammens, Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo. He said: 'If you're shelling out £140m over four years, you'd anticipate some sort of return at the end of it.'
United are set to save over £18m annually in wages by releasing Casemiro, funds that will be reinvested in two new central midfielders this summer. Despite fans chanting for him to stay, no internal discussions have taken place about offering a new contract.
Neville added: 'This is not a criticism of Casemiro... he's given his absolute all, but it's not been a sound investment.' The Brazilian is expected to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season.
