Watch: Graeme Souness refuses to backtrack on Casemiro criticism

Graeme Souness wrote off Casemiro as a ‘Steady Eddie’ when he joined Manchester United last summer, and the former Liverpool and Scotland midfielder reiterated his description before United faced Liverpool at Anfield.

Casemiro signed from Real Madrid for £70million, having been part of one of European football’s most effective midfield trios alongside Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.

And the Brazil international has been one of the Premier League’s most outstanding players this season, dragging United into the top four with a string of excellent performances.

However, Souness was unconvinced of the signing and stated that the fee was ‘too much money.’ The outspoken pundit also claimed that Casemiro wouldn’t improve United in possession, and was a ‘typical’ signing of United’s failed strategy in recent seasons.

“I don’t think he’s got any great range of passing, I don’t think he’s going to make other people play,” Souness told talkSPORT in August, shortly after Casemiro arrived at Old Trafford. “The Real Madrid and that midfield, in particular, was full of footballing types. I see him as being a ‘Steady Eddie’.

“He is 30 years old, it’s £60million with add-ons, it’s too much money. It’s Man United all over again, Man United will pay a premium for players. But I don’t see him making them any better when he has the ball.

“I never think ‘I’m really excited to watch Casemiro’. I think he’ll make them [United] more solid when he’s on the ball because he senses danger and is experienced. I don’t think he’s got a range of passing, I’ve not seen that.

“Maybe he’ll prove me wrong but I’ve not seen him ping it all over the place.”

Ahead of United’s trip to Sunday, Gary Neville asked his fellow Sky Sports pundit if he had changed his mind on the Brazilian midfielder.

“Your call on Casemiro, are you changing your mind on him?” Neville asked. “You said he was a good player but not a great player.”

To which Souness responded: “He is a steady eddie. I would be happy with that description in that position. I would describe Casemiro as a foundation piece, who you can build your team on.

“I like him, but is he better than I thought? No. He is getting goals, which is not really his strongest point.”

Graeme Souness categorically refusing to accept he was wrong on Casemiro. Dinosaur. https://t.co/zDH7Cg8Ue0

— Sam Peoples (@sampeoples_) March 5, 2023

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