Casemiro and Raphael Varane, one after another, joined Man United with the goal of finding new challenges after years of abundance, abundant titles with Real Madrid.
Not a new stop for peaceful days to retire and enjoy life fully in the land of fog, they have to "plow", fight until exhaustion for a Man United who always has to work hard to find the golden age.
The duo shared 4 Champions League titles while playing for Real Madrid
31 years old, Casemiro signed a contract to move to Man United with invaluable experience after many years of playing professional football. With Real Madrid attending 16 finals, Casemiro won 15 titles, from the Champions League, European Super Cup, Club World Cup to the King's Cup of Spain, of which, the Champions League alone has 5 times.
Two world and South American champions side by side at Man United
After winning more Copa America titles with Brazil, Casemiro arrived at Old Trafford with a contract worth up to 70 million pounds and a high weekly salary of 375.000 pounds. This seems to go against Man United's criterion of not buying older stars with too much money, but in fact, he deserves every penny that the team spends.
Raphael Varane, the owner of 4 Champions League titles and a World Cup winner, also came to Old Trafford at "near old age" - 28. The value of the contract is not very high for a world-class centre-back, only close to £ 40 million, but the weekly salary of £ 375.000 almost makes people call Varane a "fake item" after the first season did not contribute much to Man United.
Varane has a lot of experience in dealing with all the star strikers
“Last season was a time to adapt and better understand how intensity is managed. This season, I played much better. I'm happy with what's going on," Varane said after Man United finished third in the Premier League and won tickets to next season's Champions League.
The "Red Devils" have also won the English League Cup and are waiting for the opportunity to conquer the second trophy of the season if they beat Man City in the FA Cup final on the night of 3-6.
Varane strengthens the defense for "Red Devils"
The French midfielder said of his two seasons in England: "You need motivation, personality, passion because this is the Premier League, the league at the highest level. There are a lot of strong teams with a lot of good players in the squad and to play at a club like Man United you need something different, that is fighting spirit, shouldering responsibility, never shirking on the pitch and being ready to face any challenge that may arise."
Man United at its peak under Alex Ferguson was a collection of big names, champions in the dressing room. The fact that star personality Eric Cantona about "Theater of Dreams" has completely changed the team.
In 2020, the "Red Devils" recruited Bruno Fernandes - who was praised by experts for having a strong personality similar to Cantona, however, it seems that Man United still lacks something.
Champion qualities followed Casemiro to Old Trafford
It was only when Casemiro reunited with Varane at Old Trafford that the duo immediately joined Bruno Fernandes to become the team's spiritual leader from the dressing room. Experience, bravery and leadership qualities quickly help them make an impact on the "red half of Manchester".
From the defense, the former Real Madrid star fueled the spirit of his teammates around and those in front. “The higher the pressure, the more I talked and shouted on the pitch. Everything is also better connected, which any team needs to do," emphasized the 30-year-old star.
Casemiro confronts Bruno Fernandes after the League Cup final
At the top, Brazilian midfielder Casemiro is seen "pushing his shirt" Bruno Fernandes, questioning his teammates why he didn't pass the ball to Jadon Sancho or Wout Weghorst but failed to finish it himself. That's when the final whistle sounded and Man United won against Newcastle in the League Cup final.
The two sides disagreed in the match against Aston Villa
Earlier, similar scenes were seen after Man United's win over Aston Villa at the end of April. Casemiro "faced" Fernandes and criticized the midfielder for the error of losing the ball at the end of the game.
Controversial Casemiro, favoring uncle is different from the inherent calmness from playing for Real Madrid? No, Casemiro could not have had an illustrious career with Real Madrid and Brazil without demanding the highest standards and he demands it from the captain and the "leader" of the team.
“We could spend all day talking about how good Bruno is but honestly, I expect a lot from Bruno because he is one of the most important players in the team. So when he misses an opportunity, we always want everything to be perfect.
Just normal conversations, I always ask a lot of Bruno and he demands the same from me. We have never argued because we have a very good relationship with each other. Bruno always helps me with language issues, teaches me a lot about the club and it's a pleasure to play alongside him, my motivation and the team," Casemiro said.
Casemiro and Varane are the driving force for Man United
Knowing his time at Real Madrid is over, Casemiro has taken on a new challenge at Manchester United and is enjoying his 20s as great as ever.
Adapting to English football has never been easy. 2 red cards, 13 yellow cards, Casemiro has been banned for 8 games this season and of the 10 Premier League games he has missed, Man United have lost 4!
A combative defensive midfielder, Casemiro's seven goals - including the opener against Newcastle in the League Cup final and a toss in against Bournemouth two weeks ago - said it all.
Casemiro scores against Bournemouth
Man United lost 3-6 in the derby in October but when they met again at Old Trafford, Man City lost 10-1 again. Man City are chasing the favorite "triple" but Casemiro claims "not used to losing" when the two sides face off in the first all-Manchester FA Cup final.
Of the 17 finals Casemiro has played for Real Madrid and Man United, he has won 16 of them, excluding the loss to Atletico Madrid in the 2018 European Super Cup.
