Former Liverpool and Manchester City midfielder Didi Hamann has criticised Manchester United for signing Real Madrid ace Casemiro.

Speaking to the Mirror ahead of United's game against Liverpool at Old Trafford on Monday, Hamann explained his view that signing Casemiro will not turn Erik ten Hag's squad into title contenders.

He said, "Casemiro is a great player - you only have to look at what he has won at Madrid. But he isn't going to United to win the league, is he?"

"We're only two games into the season and it's already obvious that United aren't going to be anywhere near the title race.

"They are years behind Liverpool and Manchester City - and they are losing ground on Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal as well.

"Signing Casemiro is a small step forward - but he's not the answer. It is going to take years and years of backing Erik ten Hag in the transfer market before United are challenging for the big trophies again.

"But that's been obvious since [Sir Alex] Ferguson retired - and look at how many managers they have sacked in the process."