Carragher claims Man Utd ‘panic buy’ will cost them an extra £100m after ‘astronomical’ £326m deals

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has explained why he thinks Manchester United “panic buy” Casemiro will end up costing the club an extra £100m.
Casemiro was one of United’s marquee signings during last summer’s transfer window as he signed for the Premier League giants from Real Madrid in a deal that could be worth £70m with add-ons.
The Brazil international was recruited after Man Utd failed to talk Barcelona and Netherlands star Frenkie de Jong into a move to Old Trafford.
The 31-year-old was sent off twice during his debut season for Man Utd but he was superb for Erik ten Hag’s side as he helped them finish in the top four and win the Carabao Cup.
Defensive midfielders have dominated the transfer market over the past year as Chelsea have paid over £200m to sign Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, while Arsenal have splashed out over £100m to sign top target Declan Rice.
Carragher has argued that Casemiro “cannot fully repay United’s massive fee” and he is not “value for money”.
“The prices for Fernandez, Rice and Caicedo are astronomical. They are also good deals. The proof of that is the £70 million Manchester United paid last summer for Casemiro. The Brazilian will end up costing United more than Arsenal and Chelsea paid for Rice and Caicedo,” Carragher told The Telegraph.
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“Caicedo and Rice are examples of thinking ahead – going big now to save cash for the next six or seven years in which they will assume their role.
“I never believed Casemiro would be value for money. Not because there is any doubt that he has been a world-class player. But because he is at a stage of his career when he cannot fully repay United’s massive fee.
“He was a panic buy when he joined a year ago, bought in the immediate aftermath of the failed pursuit of Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona; an ageing, stellar name signed for big money and on a massive salary to appease increasingly disgruntled fans, despite the fact he will need replacing with a similarly massive outlay two years on.
“He is precisely the kind of signing United have been moving away from this summer as they look to the future.”
Carragher went on to praise Casemiro for his performances last season but he claims Man Utd “will need another £100m” to replace him when the veteran starts to decline.
“In essence, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool have spent the summer hunting the complete footballer who can fulfil all those requirements. Manchester City already have him in Rodri. It is no wonder those identified for the same role are commanding such an extraordinary feel,” Carragher added.
“For decades, all the massive football spending was on the strikers or attacking players. A few years ago it was central defenders attracting world-record fees. Now coaches are desperate for resilience against high-pressing teams.
“Casemiro was once as good as anyone in the world at that. Now there is a danger United may have an expensive luxury they cannot afford.
“They will not be title contenders until they find a Rodri, Caicedo or Rice of their own.
“After paying £70 million for someone who could do the job five years ago but will continue to struggle to match his previous high standards, the current market suggests they will need another £100 million for the midfielder to do so for the next five years.”
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