Casemiro joins Man Utd team-mate by leaving Nike for rival amid £1.5bn problem
Casemiro has joined Manchester United team-mate Lisandro Martinez in leaving Nike after ending his career-long partnership with the American corporation.
The midfielder had been wearing Nike boots since starting his career with Sao Paolo through to his time at Real Madrid and during the first 18 months at United. Casemiro moved to the Red Devils for £60million in August 2022 and he helped them win the Carabao Cup in his maiden campaign.
According to the Daily Mail, Casemiro is now an ambassador for adidas and was spotted wearing Predator boots in United's 2-1 victory over Aston Villa on Sunday. The Brazil international is the latest high-profile footballer to leave Nike after Martinez, Harry Kane, Manuel Akanji and Jack Grealish all departed.
The exodus comes after Nike pledged to cut their budget by £1.58billion over the next years, which has led them to cut ties with some of the best players on the planet. Meanwhile, Kai Havertz, Alexandre Lacazette and Dani Carvajal were amongst those who swapped Nike for Puma in 2023.
As for Casemiro, United have been much improved since he returned to the starting XI for the trip to Wolves earlier this month. Erik ten Hag's side have won each of the three matches, with Casemiro partnering Kobbie Mainoo in a double pivot and that combination has helped the Red Devils to a couple of impressive victories.
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Speaking ahead of United's trip to Villa, Ten Hag praised Casemiro for the impact he is having on 18-year-old sensation Mainoo. "You can see the impact of a player like Casemiro. He gives you calmness and composure on the ball and sees the critical pass," the Dutchman said.
"Kobbie is very coachable and they have a bond. Casemiro has the experience that can accelerate his development. Casemiro takes that responsibility. He talks to Kobbie. I see it in the dressing room, in training and on the pitch in games. Of course he looking at his own game but he’s trying to help and support Kobbie."
Casemiro in action against Aston Villa on Sunday (Getty Images)United sit sixth in the Premier League but closed on the gap on the top-four to six points as goals from Rasmus Hojlund and substitute Scott McTominay earned victory at Villa. Ten Hag was delighted with his side's performance and believes sealing the win was "massive".
"It was massive," Ten Hag said. "It's a massive win for us. So, we get closer. And that was the aim for today and was absolutely our target. And we did it. And I think also the way we did it, I think I liked it, and of course, I liked especially the first 20 minutes.
"When we are dictating the game, after I think we are dropping a little bit too much. We had our moments in the counter attacks, but yeah, I think then at 1-1, to fight back, we are really happy for today."
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