Man United signed Casemiro instead of me - now I’m being likened to Zinedine Zidane

Former Manchester United transfer target Fabian Ruiz is now drawing comparisons to football legend Zinedine Zidane.

The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder scored twice in Spain's 4-1 victory over Switzerland in the Nations League, despite his team playing with 10 men for over 70 minutes. The performance follows his major contribution to Spain's Euro 2024 success in Germany.

Back in the summer of 2022, shortly after Erik ten Hag's appointment, the Red Devils reportedly considered Ruiz as an alternative to Frenkie de Jong. In the end, neither player was signed, with Casemiro arriving from Real Madrid for a deal with £70million in the same transfer window.

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After an impressive debut season at Old Trafford, which saw him contribute to United's fourth-place finish and Carabao Cup triumph, the Brazilian's form has declined, and he was hauled off at half-time during the 3-0 home defeat to Liverpool after two sloppy mistakes led to goals.

The midfielder has since been the subject of transfer speculation, with Galatasaray ready to take him ahead of Friday's Turkish transfer deadline. Casemiro, however, turned down the move in favour of fighting for his first-team place instead.

In stark contrast, Ruiz, who was linked with United again in the summer, has seen his star rise considerably. His recent performances, including a double against Switzerland, have drawn comparisons to French football icon and World Cup winner Zidane - the Real Madrid legend regarded as the finest player of his generation - in the Spanish press.

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