Souness says Man Utd have 'had their trousers taken' by two transfer disasters

10 May 2024 , 09:15

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Casemiro and Raphael Varane have been poor signings for Manchester United (Image: James Gill/Getty Images)

Graeme Souness claims Manchester United had “their trousers taken” with two major transfer disasters.

The Red Devils signed Raphael Varane from Real Madrid for £41million in 2021. Despite being a four-time Champions League winner, the defender was allowed to leave due to his age (28) and ongoing injury issues.

United secured another ageing Real Madrid star in midfielder Casemiro, who cost an eye-watering £70m just a year later. Neither player has made the desired impact at United, with Varane often sidelined due to injuries and Casemiro's lack of mobility becoming more apparent in his second season in England.

Souness, who downplayed Casemiro's arrival 18 months ago by labelling him a "steady Eddie", has now slammed United's transfer strategy once more. He claimed his initial comments were justified and that United had their "trousers taken" in terms of the fees they paid for the two unsuccessful signings.

Speaking on William Hill's Three Up Front podcast, the Liverpool legend stated via the MEN: "Yeah he [Casemiro] can point to the medals which he won but he was a bit-player in a very special team. I never saw him coming to United and being the difference. I saw him as 'he's okay, not a big player'.

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"I think they've had their trousers taken with both Raphael Varane and him. If you've got something to offer Real Madrid don't sell you.

Graeme Souness has aired his feelings about the former Real Madrid duo (YouTube / Three Up Front)

"Real Madrid sold Raphael Varane and Casemiro to Man United. They [United] paid a premium and I'm sure they're on lots of money those two and it's a football decision, that I feel, they got wrong again."

Souness continued: "He's [Casemiro] been found out, not stitched up. If you're a big player and you've got the chance to go United, you're going to take it to make them better."

Casemiro thrived in his first season in Manchester, netting seven times from central midfield. However, his form dropped off drastically after an injury earlier this season, before suffering woeful performances against the likes of Liverpool and Crystal Palace.

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Kasra Moradi