Manchester United player Casemiro acknowledges the importance of substantial investments for the club to narrow the gap between themselves and their local rivals.

United, under the guidance of Erik Ten Hag in his first season, have made strides by finishing third in the Premier League, securing the Carabao Cup, and reaching the FA Cup final. Despite this progress, they trailed behind City by 14 points, prompting Casemiro, with a transfer value of £70 million, to assert that United must acquire additional world-class talent to bridge the deficit.

Last summer, United spent a significant sum of £208 million, and their pursuit of players such as Harry Kane, Declan Rice, Mason Mount, and James Maddison has been widely reported. The Brazilian star suggests that United, who have not claimed the league title in over a decade, must maintain their strengthening efforts to once again challenge for the prestigious trophy.

When top-class players come in, quality players, it’s always welcome,” said Casemiro.

“We always want quality players and it’s always the case that the more options you have, it’s important to have as much quality in the squad as you can. But us players know that there are people who have the knowledge to do that.

“We’ve got John [Murtough, United director of football] who signed me and brought me here, so I have complete faith in him, along with his staff and the manager. It’s always the club that has the final say and it’s not us players who need to be putting our noses into this.

“But the more top players you have the better, because we know that with lots of quality players, there’s competition for places and that means you get to the end of the season in better shape.”