Rivaldo sends message to Casemiro after Manchester United debut

Brazil legend Rivaldo has suggested that new Manchester United signing Casemiro can be responsible for the club's resurgence if Erik ten Hag's side continue to improve.

Casemiro was introduced as a United player before the club's home game with rivals Liverpool on Monday after joining from Real Madrid.

After joining Madrid from Sao Paulo in 2013, he helped the club win the Champions League five times, plus LaLiga three times and the Cope del Rey once. United will pay up to £70m for the Brazil midfielder, who has signed a four-year deal at Old Trafford.

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Casemiro's countryman Rivaldo admits that while he can understand why the defensive midfielder's move to United has come as a surprise, he believes the 30-year-old can be part of the club's resurgence moving forward.

"Casemiro left Real Madrid after winning five Champions League medals and, although it may seem strange that he left the European Champions to sign for Manchester United, I understand his decision," Rivaldo told Betfair.

"He has won everything in Spain and surely at 30 years old this is an opportunity to get a good contract and have a new experience in another country at a top club.

"Moreover, if United improve in the near future he will be one of those responsible for their resurgence. He was not always valued enough at Real Madrid, because he did not score many goals."

The midfielder, who started last season's Champions League final as Madrid beat Liverpool to become European champions for the 14th time, made his 336th appearance for the LaLiga side as a substitute in the Spanish giants' opening-day win at Almeria.

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