Casemiro explains why he decided on Manchester United transfer from Real Madrid

Midfield enforcer Casemiro has admitted that Manchester United's rich and colourful history played a key role in convincing him to join the club during the summer transfer window.

After deciding to bring an end to their pursuit of Dutchman Frenkie de Jong, whom they had tracked for more than 100 days, United identified Casemiro as their ideal candidate to strengthen their midfield options. The Reds had lost each of their opening two Premier League matches and soon realised that they needed a world-class defensive midfielder to strengthen Erik ten Hag's squad.

United moved quickly to secure Casemiro's signature, signing him on an initial four-year deal in a deal that could eventually be worth up to £70million. The Reds were criticised by some for paying such an eye-watering fee for a player who had already turned 30, but his performances since arriving at Old Trafford have justified the club's decision to bring him in.

He has become a stalwart in Ten Hag's plans and has significantly upgraded United's midfield. Considering Champions League football was not on offer at Old Trafford this season, the Reds, in truth, did well to secure the Brazilian's signature.

Nevertheless, Casemiro relished the opportunity of swapping Madrid for Manchester, while also pinpointing how the club's impressive history made his decision even easier.

"Without a doubt it was down to the great stature of Manchester, because it's a massive club with a great history," Casemiro told United's club website in a special Q&A with some of the club's supporters. "For sure that was the big attraction for coming here.

"I think that the great standing this club has in the game and its great history are definitely the most important reasons to be here. It's also a fresh set of goals in a brand-new league for me.

"So that presents a really big and exciting challenge for me and I'm working really hard to achieve them alongside my teammates."