Manchester United decided to sign former Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro after it became clear that Frenkie de Jong was unwilling to join.
United’s search for the 30-year-old was also motivated by their failure to land Adrien Rabiot.
Laurie Whitwell, in response to questions posed to The Athletic by United fans, revealed that Casemiro was, however, not a panic buy, as the lines of communication with the player were open throughout the transfer window.
“The possible availability of Casemiro had been communicated to United at the beginning of the window.”
“The player and his representatives remained engaged in dialogue thereafter until a delegation flew to Madrid to finalize the transfer fee and personal terms within 24 hours of the Brentford defeat.”
When asked if keeping James Garner would have outweighed the need for Casemiro, “Whether Garner should have kept him is a contentious argument. Casemiro has won five Champions League titles and 63 caps for Brazil – he improves the United team, even if it comes at a significant cost.”
“Garner is a developing player, with a good Championship season to date.”
As we’ve reported here before, Whitwell also confirmed that Garner’s move to Everton was sanctioned by Ten Hag, who didn’t think he had what it took to succeed at Old Trafford.
“After several training sessions, Ten Hag ruled that Garner would not break through at United and the club decided it was best to sell him now.”
On whether the academy graduate should have taken a loan to increase its value rather than an immediate outright sale, he said: “Another loan could have increased its value if it had gone well, but the reverse is also true.”
“There are numerous examples of United players deviating after temporary moves. The sale of Tahith Chong for an initial value of £1.45m, after loans at Werder Bremen, Club Brugge and Birmingham City, is one example.
While there are numerous supporters who have yet to come to terms with Garner’s permanent sale, Whitwell raises a valid point about why a loan spell was overlooked. It would also have been a mistake to keep such a young player on the bench, limited to a supporting role at such a crucial stage in his development.
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