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Rio Ferdinand has claimed that Manchester United midfielder Casemiro “wipes the floor” with Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey.
As reported by the Mirror, the former Man United defender says that the Brazilian is comfortably outperforming his opposite number, with the duo set to come face to face this weekend.
Erik ten Hag’s side travel to Crystal Palace this evening for a Premier League encounter, but they will undoubtedly have one eye on Sunday’s league meeting with leaders Arsenal.
The Gunners currently top the table with 47 points, eight ahead of Manchester City, and nine ahead of both Newcastle and Man United.
Casemiro ‘wipes the floor’ with Partey
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Despite the gulf, Ferdinand believes Ten Hag’s midfield enforcer is miles ahead of Mikel Arteta’s midfield man Partey.
The Ghanaian, who joined the north London side from Atletico Madrid in 2020, has been impacted by injuries during his time at Arsenal. When injury-free, however, the midfielder has proved his ability and indeed his importance to the Gunners.
But his displays have not been enough to convince Ferdinand that he is better than Casemiro, with the Brazilian shining at Man United since his summer move from Real Madrid.
Speaking about the Arsenal midfielder, Ferdinand said: “He [Partey] is actually playing some passes I didn’t know he had. At Atletico Madrid did you see those passes? In the Champions League?
“In terms of who’s more important to their team, you can argue for both sides. But when you throw the stats in, Casemiro wipes the floor with him.
“I don’t think Partey is good enough defensively to do what Casemiro is doing. I don’t think he has the impact to do defensively what Casemiro is doing for Man United.”
Ten Hag praises midfielder’s impact
Man United boss Ten Hag has also discussed Casemiro’s impact since arriving from Spain, noting that the midfielder has been “raising the limits” for the club.
The 30-year-old, who won three La Liga titles and five Champions League trophies at Real Madrid, has made 25 appearances for the Red Devils in all competitions this season.
Speaking about Madrid’s decision to let Casemiro leave, Ten Hag said: “I am happy they did! But you see also at the World Cup he is a magnificent player.
“My analysis before the season was we needed that 6 position and he is fulfilling that position. In pre-season, we had a lot of discussions but you need the right player and we definitely have the right player.
“I am really happy for Manchester United, for this team to have him because he is really raising the limits for Manchester United.”
Casemiro an important piece in Teg Hag puzzle
Casemiro has proven this season that he still has plenty to give to football at the age of 30. The same can be said of centre-back Raphael Varane. The 29-year-old played alongside Casemiro at Real Madrid for several years.
The duo have been hugely impressive for the Red Devils this season, alongside the likes of Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford.
It has been a rapid turnaround for the club under Ten Hag, with United having the chance to go second in the Premier League table with a win against Crystal Palace this evening.
🧠 Full focus on #CRYMUN. #MUFC || #PL pic.twitter.com/2czCo6WIoR
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 17, 2023
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