Casemiro 'will cost Man United MORE than Rice and Caicedo', says Jamie Carragher

Jamie Carragher believes Manchester United will regret not recruiting a more long-term solution at defensive midfield.

One of the dominant stories of this summer's transfer window has been the astronomical prices quoted for a specialist No 6.

Though United, with their acquisition of Real Madrid legend Casemiro for an initial £60m fee last summer, could be seen as early adopters.

Carragher reckons Erik ten Hag's hasty purchase of the veteran following an unsuccessful attempt to nab Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong, could now hurt the side in a world where newer, fresher models are on the market.

'Caicedo and Rice are examples of thinking ahead,' the 45-year-old wrote in The Telegraph. 'Going big now to save cash for the next six or seven years in which they will assume their role.

'I never believed Casemiro would be value for money. Not because there is any doubt that he has been a world-class player.

'But because he is at a stage of his career when he cannot not fully repay United’s massive fee.

'He was a panic buy when he joined a year ago,' he continued. 'An ageing, stellar name signed for big money and on a massive salary to appease increasingly disgruntled fans, despite the fact he will need replacing with a similarly massive outlay two years on.'

United have been keen to finding the Brazilian international some help in the centre of the park, with reports of interest in Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat. However, they face a stern challenge for the 26-year-old's signature from bitter rivals Liverpool.

Ten Hag's side travel to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this weekend where he will hope to see a better performance from his experienced midfielder and his team as a whole.