Rio Ferdinand explains why Manchester United's Casemiro is better than City's Rodri - ‘More than a footballer’

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has shown he is «more than a footballer» this season, according to Rio Ferdinand, who said he would pick the Brazilian over Man City star Rodri. Casemiro and Rodri have been two of the stand-out holding midfielders in the Premier League this term, but the question of who has impressed more divided pundits on BT Sport, with Joleon Lescott opting for the Spaniard. Ad United signed Brazil international Casemiro from Real Madrid last summer and he adapted quickly in his debut campaign in English football, helping oversee a huge improvement on the pitch at Old Trafford under Erik ten Hag.

Premier LeagueCrouch calls for change of direction at Spurs, warns new boss could be hard to convince4 HOURS AGO “I would take Casemiro, because I think the impact he has had is huge," former United defender Ferdinand said on BT Sport. «He’s more than a footballer, he’s a leader on that pitch. “With the experience he’s got and what he’s won as well, it just elevates him above at this stage.

But Rodri is a fantastic footballer.” Speaking about Rodri ahead of City’s clash with Liverpool, Ferdinand said: “When the ball turns over, he’s one of the first people there to slow that transition down or intercept, so other players can get back. He will dictate that. Guardiola hopeful of rapid Haaland return after City striker missed Liverpool clash Crouch calls for change of direction at Spurs, warns new boss could be hard to convince “But also, third-most carries of any midfielder in Europe shows you he’s not just a one-trick pony, he does difference facets of the game remarkably well.” Lescott, who won two Premier League titles at City, disagreed.