Exclusive: Casemiro Still a Top Player says Manchester United Legend Bryan Robson

Manchester United legend Bryan Robson has leapt to the defence of under-fire midfielder Casemiro, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

The former Real Madrid playmaker has been heavily-criticised for some of his performances over the past 12 months.

But double Premier League winner Robson, who enjoyed a distinguished 13-year career at Old Trafford, has stressed he can’t understand why the experienced Brazilian international has copped so much flack. 

Casemiro became ‘the’ scapegoat last season as the Red Devils finished 15th in the Premier League, the club’s lowest-ever top-flight finish.

“I think we’d benefit from another Casemiro-like midfielder, that would definitely help us,” stressed Robson ahead of the transfer window re-opening in January.

“People say he’s not this or he’s not that, his legs have gone. Not for me, Casemiro is still a fantastic player and he would be on my teamsheet every time. He’s a fantastic player."

EXPERIENCE

“I’ve always been a fan of him, he offers a lot to the team. Of course he brings experience, but his range of passing and skill is great."

“I really don’t think some of the criticism of him has been fair, in my eyes he’s a top player.”

United have shelled out £170.7million on signings in the summer transfer window, with playmakers Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, and striker Benjamin Sesko having been signed for big-money to bolster the team’s firepower.

Belgian shot-stopper Senne Lammens was also signed as part of an extensive recruitment drive as the Red Devils look to get back to winning ways and give their frustrated supporters something to finally savour.

Robson, who famously won seven pieces of silverware during his United career, would love to see another midfielder join the Old Trafford ranks, but also stressed the importance of giving the club’s exciting young players the chance to shine.

“The manager and the owner will make those decisions but, for me, I’d like to see us sign one more really decent midfielder,” added Robson, who scored 99 goals for United and made 461 career appearances for the club, as well 90 caps for England.

According to SportsBoom’s sources, Manchester United are already planning for January, with striker Joshua Zirkzee expected to depart on loan to Italy’s Serie A, while the club continue to pursue Wolves’ Joao Gomes, widely viewed as a long-term replacement for Casemiro, though Wolves are holding out for a substantial fee.

NO-NONSENSE

The no-nonsense left-footer won back-to-back Premier League with United, the European Winners’ Cup with United, three FA Cups and the FA Charity Shield.

“I think the future is bright, the club has some great young players,” he continued.

“I still think there’s a lot more to come from some of these young players, just look at Kobbie Mainoo."

“He had so many injuries last year, it really was a stop-start season for him, but you look at the year before and he was outstanding for the last six months of the season."

“But there’s a lot more to come from Mainoo and the other young lads, it’s exciting to see.”

Earlier this month former England international Robson, 68, was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Spencer Chadderton North West Football Awards in Manchester, recognition for his impact on football and at United.

“It’s great [to win the award], not just for me but for my family as well, they’ve had to put up with a lot,” joked Robson, who managed Middlesbrough, Bradford City, West Brom, Sheffield United and Thailand after retiring from playing.

“At the end of the day your career, more to less, comes before your family."

“You don’t want that that happen, but that’s what happens."

“I love football, so winning another award like this is really special to me.”