Casemiro transfer will give Manchester United something Jose Mourinho loved

When Manchester United's players emerge from the darkness of the Stretford End tunnel a few minutes before 8pm this evening, every United fan inside Old Trafford will be disappointed that Casemiro will not be among them.

United have confirmed that they have reached an agreement with Real Madrid to sign the highly decorated 30-year-old, but it was not done in time for him to be able to make his Reds bow against their fiercest rivals. Instead, should he pass his medical, sort out his UK visa and agree personal terms with minimal fuss, he could make his debut when United travel to Southampton on Saturday.

Casemiro's impending arrival in M16 means that tonight's clash with Liverpool could represent the last dance for Scott McTominay and Fred as a midfield duo. They have been highlighted as the biggest weakness in United's armoury in recent seasons and the addition of Casemiro to Erik ten Hag's squad will significantly strengthen that area of the team.

READ MORE: Manchester United predicted line-up vs Liverpool

Despite tracking Barcelona ace Frenkie de Jong since May, the addition of Casemiro, despite concerns about his age being voiced, strengthens a position that has needed bolstering for years. United simply couldn't afford to end this transfer window without the addition of a world-class defensive-midfielder, regardless of what Ten Hag had originally been thinking.

The Brazilian brings an array of much-needed qualities to the table, not least his ability to do the dirty side of the game and screen the back-four with ease. He is one of the very best in the world at what he does and his impending move ought to be considered as a major coup for United.

Although Casemiro will instantly improve United's midfield options, you