Football

‘I hope he stays with us because he is a great player’: Casemiro on Cristiano Ronaldo’s stay at Manchester United

Manchester United’s new signing Brazilian midfielder Casemiro hopes his teammate Cristiano Ronaldo stays at the Premier League club amid intense speculation over the ace footballer’s future. It has been reported that Ronaldo wants to part ways with United following the team’s failure to qualify for the Champions League this season. It was only in the last season that Portugal forward was re-signed for United from Juventus. The Portugal captain was the highest goal-scorer for his side in the last season.

The 30-year-old Brazillian described Rolando’s importance to the Reds. He labeled Rolando as a winner and a leader. The ace-midfielder even described how the veteran forward has helped him grow as a player.

“He knows that I respect him a lot. I hope he stays with us because he is a great player,” Casemiro told ESPN about Ronaldo, who was also his teammate at Real Madrid.

“We are talking about one of the best players of all time. He gives you a lot of goals, he is a winner, he is a leader. He is so important for us.

“We approached each other because of the language, too. Since the first day here, he has helped me with everything. He is helping me a lot. I really hope he stays with us.”

The 37-year-old was dropped from the starting lineup in the Red Devils’ previous Premier League match against Liverpool. This has further fueled the speculations of Rolando moving from Erik ten Hag’s team. Though manager Erik ten Hag has said that Rolando is still in his plans for the season going forward.

Brazil midfielder Casemiro, who joined United from Real in a deal reported to be worth up to 70 million euros ($69.80 million), could be set for his debut against Southampton on August 27 (Saturday).

The Red Devils registered their first win of this Premier League season as they defeated last season’s runner-up Liverpool 2-1. They are currently placed at the 14th position with three points after three games. United would look to continue on the winning momentum and set their sights on a top-four finish in the league. The previous season, the Old Trafford-based side finished at the sixth position.