EPL: Ronaldo exit, Casemiro secret behind Man United success – McGrath

Manchester United legend Paul McGrath has explained that getting rid of Cristiano Ronaldo and buying Casemiro from Real Madrid has been key to the Red Devils' revival this season.

Recall that Ronaldo left Man United after his contract was terminated last year, while Erik ten Hag's side also signed Casemiro last summer.

"The two key pieces of the United puzzle for 2022/23 have been the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo and the purchase of Casemiro," McGrath wrote in his Sunday World column.

"It's strange to write that getting rid of one of the greatest players of all time was a good thing for United.

"But all the evidence is that it was just that. A few weeks after Ronaldo's departure, his Portuguese team-mate Bruno Fernandes said "we are playing as a team now".

Man United currently sit third in the Premier League table behind leaders Arsenal and Manchester City.

The Red Devils recently lifted the Carabao Cup trophy after beating Newcastle United in the final at Wembley Stadium.