Brazil ace Casemiro completes switch to Old Trafford

Brazilian midfielder Casemiro has completed his move to Manchester United from Real Madrid.

The Red Devils reached an agreement with Los Blancos to recruit the 30-year-old in a reported £70million deal last Friday.

And the defensive midfielder, who won five Champions League titles during his nine years at the Bernabeu, has signed a contract until 2026 with an option for an additional year.

On leaving the LaLiga giants, Casemiro said: "It was the hardest decision of my life but I'm excited about what's ahead of me.

"I want to face new challenges, know a different league, a different country and a different culture.

"I'm going to the biggest team in the world, that can compete with the greatness of Real Madrid."

Casemiro was presented to the Old Trafford faithful ahead of United's 2-1 win over arch-rivals Liverpool. 

The new arrival added: "The opportunity to start a new challenge at Manchester United and in the Premier League is extremely exciting. 

"I have worked with many great managers in my career and, having met with Erik ten Hag and heard his ideas, I can’t wait to work closely with him, his staff and my new team-mates in the coming years. 

"I’m ending one beautiful journey in Madrid and starting another in Manchester as determined as ever to win football matches, win trophies and make our fans proud by bringing success to this great club. 

"Everybody knows the history of Manchester United, the significance of the club around the world and what it means to its supporters. 

"To represent United is an honour and I am ready to give everything to help the team achieve our ambitions."

Ten Hag has been in urgent need of reinforcements and his new South American purchase becomes the club's fourth summer signing following the arrivals of Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez.

The Dutchman said: "He is the cement between the stones, that is what we have been looking for in the summer and found him.

"[I’m] very happy with his signing.”