Manchester United great Rio Ferdinand has delivered a stark warning to Erik ten Hag about his marquee summer signing Casemiro, who has still yet to start a Premier League game for the club.
Having appointed Ten Hag as manager, United set their sights on Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona as they tried to address long-standing problems in central midfield. However, when the Dutchman opted to stay put, United were forced to shop elsewhere and eventually settled on Casemiro.
A five-time Champions League winner, the Brazil international has been made to wait for his chance, though, with only 82 minutes under his belt, so far, this Premier League season. Chances have been limited due to an impressive partnership being put together by Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen - but they were opened up on more than one occasion during the high-scoring Manchester derby reverse on Sunday afternoon.
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During the latest episode of his popular FIVE podcast, Ferdinand said: "The geezer (Casemiro) hasn't been given a chance. He hasn't been given a fair crack of the whip. He's come in and played in a Europa League game against some dead team. He ain't been given a start in the side when he's fit and ready, he's regressed in terms of fitness, so he's worse off than when he came."
Ferdinand added: "He had to get up to speed when he came from that league to this league. I wonder the impact it's having on someone like him. Yes, he's experienced and what-not, but he must be sitting there and thinking; 'Wow, I'm happy to be here at Manchester United, but I'm feeling a little bit disrespected here, given what I've done'. I'd be surprised if he's not feeling like that. He's sitting there going; 'I've won five Champions Leagues'."
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