Casemiro was imperious for Manchester United against Nottingham Forest and received praise from Rio Ferdinand as a result.

There’s mutual respect between Casemiro and Ferdinand (Image: Getty)

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro told Rio Ferdinand he was ‘honoured’ after receiving praise from the former Reds defender after victory over Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night.

Erik ten Hag’s side cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory against Forest at Old Trafford, with Marcus Rashford opening the scoring and setting up Anthony Martial for the second goal, before Fred added a third late on in the match.

The Reds were short on centre-back options for the clash against Steve Cooper’s side, with left-back Luke Shaw chosen to play alongside World Cup finalist Raphael Varane at the heart of defence. Harry Maguire was named among the substitutes because he had only taken part in one training session since he returned from the World Cup in Qatar.

Casemiro started at centre half in the Carabao Cup victory over Burnley last week, but the Brazilian was back in his preferred position against Forest on Tuesday and delivered another assured performance. The 30-year-old was named man of the match following his strong showing – which included a brilliant tackle that set up the counter-attack for Martial’s goal.

After the match, club legend Ferdinand lauded the former Real Madrid man, tweeting: “3-0 Love this guy… @Casemiro”. The Brazilian midfielder responded to the ex-United defender, saying: “Thank you Legend. I am honoured!”

Former Newcastle United and England striker Alan Shearer also waxed lyrical about Casemiro after the game, suggesting that he is a ‘class act’.

“He is different class and makes everything look effortless,” Shearer told Amazon Prime Video. “As I said, his tackle in the first half [in the build-up to Martial’s goal], his ability to read the game and see pictures before everyone else does… he’s a class act.”

United’s victory leaves them one point off the Premier League’s top four with a game in hand over Tottenham, who currently occupy the last Champions League spot.

Enzo Fernandez’s agent ready for release clause to be paid, amid Manchester United interest

Manchester United continue to be linked with Argentina sensation Enzo Fernandez, with reports even claiming the club are favourites.

South American outlet UOL Esporte claimed last week that United had jumped to the top of the queue for Fernandez, and were willing to pay his release clause.

Now considering this release clause is a staggering £106 million, it’s pretty fair to be sceptical around this.

However, the rumours are persisting as the January transfer window approaches and Fernandez’s camp appear to be taking them somewhat seriously.

Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/Defodi Images via Getty Images

Fernandez agent ready for release clause to be paid

Argentine journalist Gaston Edul of TyC Sports reports that Enzo Fernandez’s agent has flown with the player back to Benfica, in anticipation of the release clause being triggered.

He also reports United are leading Liverpool and Real Madrid in pursuit of the player’s signature.

He writes: “Enzo Fernández arrived in Portugal. His representative traveled to be close in case he had to negotiate a contract if a club decides to pay Benfica’s exit clause -120 million. That depends on the buying club. Manchester United, Liverpool, Real Madrid. In that order.”

TyC Sports reports quotes from Benfica president Rui Costa, who says the only way Fernandez leaves the club this January is if a club pays his release clause.

Costa said: “Whoever wants to take key elements of the squad will have to pay the termination value, which in the case of Enzo, with a contract until 2027, is around 120 millions of euros.”

Fernandez signed for Benfica from River Plate last summer and has been an immediate success, playing a starring role for the club early this season.

He then shone at the World Cup, playing a key role to help Argentina win the trophy in Qatar.

A deal for the 21-year-old would require a club record fee for United. In January this seems unlikely, but it continues to be worth tracking all the same.

SOURCE: manchestereveningnews.co.uk