Former Man Utd transfer target snubbed in favour of Casemiro is now Euro champion and compared to Zidane
The midfielder was available for just £26m two years ago
A MIDFIELDER once linked with a move to Manchester United is now being compared to Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane.
Fabian Ruiz was on Erik ten Hag’s transfer shortlist when the Dutchman first took over at Old Trafford two years ago.
The 28-year-old was valued at just £26million when United officials approached his entourage.
However, Ten Hag instead opted to sign Casemiro from Real Madrid in a £70m deal.
Ruiz went on to join Paris Saint-Germain in a transfer worth £18m.
And the Spaniard has since become one of the most in-form midfielders in Europe.
He was named in UEFA’s Euro 2024 Team of the Tournament this summer after scoring two goals and assisting two in seven games.
And he came away from the tournament as a European champion with Spain.
Ruiz is now being likened to legendary French midfielder Zidane.
In response to the comparisons, the PSG star told the media: “It’s a big deal to compare myself to Zidane.
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“I always try to help the team by giving my best and repay the coach’s trust.
“It’s a huge pride to represent my country. It’s the greatest thing.”
Meanwhile, Casemiro enjoyed a positive first season at Old Trafford but has since received plenty of criticism.
Some fans even called for club legend Michael Carrick to replace the Brazilian after he impressed during a United legends match at the weekend.
Manuel Ugarte the next Roy Keane
By PHIL THOMAS
NEARLY two decades have passed since Roy Keane led Manchester United into battle for the final time.
It left a gap in the engine room that the Red Devils have never really come close to filling in the 19 years that have followed.
Many tried and some managed it in flashes and, although the trophies still rolled in for a time, there was no snarling, bring-it-on warrior prowling the midfield.
Until now… until the imminent capture of a man who views a 50-50 challenge like a starving Labrador staring at a side of ham.
For three months, United have licked their own lips at the prospect of a midfield marshalled by Uruguayan tough guy Manuel Ugarte.
Finally, they have their man.
Ugarte is pretty much a ball-winner pure and simple.
Rarely will you see him pinging 40-yard passes to split a defence.
But ending his days with half the reputation of Keane and a fraction of his silverware would still mean a hell of a career.