Man United signed Casemiro instead of me – now I’m being likened to Zinedine Zidane

Man United signed Casemiro instead of me – now I’m being likened to Zinedine Zidane

Former Manchester United transfer target Fabian Ruiz is now drawing comparisons to football legend Zinedine Zidane.

The midfielder for Paris Saint-Germain scored twice as Spain defeated Switzerland 4-1 in the Nations League, even though his team was shorthanded for more than 70 minutes.

The show comes after he made a significant impact to Spain’s victory in Germany at Euro 2024.

Shortly after Erik ten Hag was appointed in the summer of 2022, Ruiz was apparently given consideration by the Red Devils as a potential replacement for Frenkie de Jong.

Ultimately, neither player was signed, but Casemiro arrived from Real Madrid in the same transfer window for a £70 million deal.

The Brazilian’s form has deteriorated since his stellar initial season at Old Trafford, when he helped United finish fourth and win the Carabao Cup.

As a result, he was substituted off during the half of the team’s 3-0 home loss.

The midfielder has since been the subject of transfer speculation, with Galatasaray ready to take him ahead of Friday’s Turkish transfer deadline. Casemiro, however, turned down the move in favour of fighting for his first-team place instead.

In stark contrast, Ruiz, who was linked with United again in the summer, has seen his star rise considerably. His recent performances, including a double against Switzerland, have drawn comparisons to French football icon and World Cup winner Zidane – the Real Madrid legend regarded as the finest player of his generation – in the Spanish press.

Speaking after the win over the Swiss, Ruiz said: “It’s a big deal to compare myself to Zidane. 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.”

On Spain’s resilience after being reduced to 10 men, he added: “It’s a great victory. We were able to defend and suffer, despite the fact that our greatest virtue is not defence.

“When we’re together, it’s difficult to score against us, even when we’re a man down. We have to continue to believe in ourselves.”

Paris Saint-Germain star Ruiz was a reported target for United again this summer but Erik ten Hag instead opted to go for his team-mate Manuel Ugarte, signing him in a £50million deal on deadline day