Chris Sutton has backtracked and admitted that he got it wrong after claiming that Manchester United midfielder Casemiro was a "panic signing" in the summer.
Casemiro, a multi-time Champions League winner, was one of United's marquee summer signings, joining from Real Madrid in a £60million deal.
Unsurprisingly, the highly-rated Brazilian has excelled since arriving at Old Trafford and has played an influential role in their remarkable rise up the table. After losing their first two matches of the season, Erik ten Hag's side have climbed to third in the Premier League standings following a run of just two defeats in their last 16 outings.
As United's form has picked up in recent weeks, Casemiro has been showered with praise from plenty of plaudits who believe that the enforcer has finally solved the club's longstanding midfield issues. And his recent form has even caused Sutton, who claimed Casemiro was a panic signing after United missed out on a deal for Frenkie de Jong, to admit he got it wrong.
While speaking about the impact Ten Hag has had at United, Sutton told BBC Radio 5 Live: "Just think about the mess he took over at the start of the season. Had Erik ten Hag signed Wout Weghorst on loan at the start of the season, Manchester United fans would have been up in arms. They'd have said: 'What is he thinking about? Let's get rid of him.'
"The fact he has done that and nobody is batting an eyelid means everyone is thinking he has got the team superbly organised.
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Manchester United)"I thought Casemiro was a panic signing at the time. I will hold my hands up - he has been brilliant. Raphael Varane is an eight out of 10 every week, he is sensational. The idea of Luke Shaw as a centre-half doesn’t work, but he has a clear plan."
Ten Hag himself has also expressed how delighted he is with his summer capture, who is likely to be pivotal again at the weekend when United face Premier League leaders Arsenal in a mouthwatering clash at the Emirates.
Speaking after Casemiro produced another colossal display in United's Manchester derby triumph, 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 six 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."
