Thread by @GuillemBalague

Consequences of the departure of Casemiro for both, #RealMadrid and #ManchesterUnited

What was his real influence at Madrid? How would he fit at United?

He has been part of a trio of midfielders that reinforced his value but also help him hide his weaknesses (thread)

He felt more comfortable defending near his box and was crucial covering his teammates and recovering with excellent timing. When he had the ball, lacking in powerful runs or dribbling ability, slow turning, he never complicated himself. Ball 2 Modric or Kroos was the solution

With less quality around him in the Brazilian national side, he was less influential. That could be a problem with United when faced with teams that pressure high if he is expected to drive with the ball and becomes the key figure bringing the ball forward

Ancelotti understood, same as Zidane, that the lack of dynamism of Modric/Kroos/Modric required to defend deep and only pressure high every now and again but not regularly. I imagine Ten Hag will require a high defensive line more often, which can expose the lack of pace of Case

Ancelotti asked him to go forward more often, taking the role of the offensive midfielder sometimes, equalling his best goalscoring efforts last season (7 goals). He has a powerful shoot and is a great header of the ball. He will add some goals from midfield at United

He feels his time at Madrid has come to an end mostly for financial reasons (from 9th best paid to one of the highest wages, 4+1 contract, which is two more than at Madrid)

He is a leader, reads the game exceptionally well, but I have difficulties to see him in a Ten Hag system