Gary Neville has sensationally claimed that Casemiro was 'not a smart or shrewd' signing by Manchester United - despite the 'devastating' impact he has made since his arrival. 

The Brazilian has played a huge role in United's revival this season, and has been the dominant midfielder that the club have been crying out for in recent years. 

His brilliant display in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle, has been indicative of the positive effect he has had at Old Trafford since making the £70m switch from Real Madrid. 

However, the Brazilian is now 31-years-old, and Neville believes his former side should focus on signing younger players like Lisandro Martinez and Anthony who have their prime years ahead of them. 

When discussing United's potential summer plans on , he said: 'I feel like Ten Hag is not going to sign [marquee names]. If new owners come in they’re going to want to make a statement, they’ll want to blow the transfer market open. I don’t think that will suit him.

Casemiro has been one of Manchester United's standout players since joining last summer

'I think he’ll want those younger, hungrier ones that have still got that growth rather than the finished article.   

'Casemiro obviously defeats that a little bit, but you look at Antony and Lisandro Martinez, they’re younger and hungrier. 

'I think that’s the type of player he’ll want to add to this squad rather than saying, "Oh, Kylian Mbappe’s available or so-and-so is available". But Casemiro, there’s no doubt – we all said it by the way – £60m? £70m? And £20m-a-year [contract] for five years is a £170m investment. That is a massive investment. 

'It’s not a smart or shrewd signing when you look at it from a [big picture] point of view. None of us thought that.'

Casemiro, along with Marcus Rashford, has established himself as one of United's most important players under Erik ten Hag this season.

After missing the opening games to the season, United's midfield has looked much stronger when the Brazilian is in the centre of the park.

United's overall improvement has given them an outside shot of winning the quadruple this season.

Neville did go on to praise Casemiro's influence, as he added: 'The impact he’s having in the short term and what Manchester United need now, he’s devastating for the club in unbelievable ways.'

Ten Hag paid special tribute to Casemiro, along with fellow veterans Raphael Varane and David de Gea, following their 2-0 win over Newcastle at Wembley on Sunday.

They know how to win trophies,' the United manager said. 'You need them on the pitch to organise the team, especially mentally and they have a winning attitude that they bring into the dressing room.'

Rashford also praised his team-mate Casemiro. 'He makes a huge difference,' the England striker said.

'His leadership and experience is huge for us and when he's on the pitch you feel that sense of security behind us.'