Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro appears to be on the verge of a £59.5 million switch to Manchester United and Red Devils fans are buzzing about his arrival - especially after reliving viral footage of the Brazilian clattering James Milner in the Champions League back in 2021.

Erik ten Hag's side currently sit rock bottom of the Premier League after opening their campaign with a pair of defeats.

Their 4-0 capitulation against Brentford last weekend was particularly embarrassing, with United seemingly lacking commitment, focus and a desire to back one another up.

In 30-year-old Casemiro, United are set to bring in a combative defensive midfielder who never backs down from a challenge - and has five Champions League triumphs to his name to prove it.

Casemiro is also pretty keen on looking out for his teammates in the heat of battle, as Milner found out to his cost in a Champions League quarter-final a couple of seasons ago.

Liverpool were trailing 3-1 heading into the last-eight tie against Los Blancos at Anfield and the Reds wanted to make a fast start to boost their chances of a remarkable comeback victory.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 14: Casemiro of Real Madrid clashes with Andrew Robertson of Liverpool as Jurgen Klopp (R), Manager of Liverpool reacts during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Second Leg match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid at Anfield on April 14, 2021 in Liverpool, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

In trying to set the tempo for the evening, though, Milner flew in on Real frontman Karim Benzema with an awfully-timed challenge, for which he was lucky not to see a red card.

Remarkably, Milner wasn't even cautioned for his shocking tackle on the Frenchman. A number of Real players, including Casemiro, were seething that Milner hadn't been punished.

It wouldn't take the Brazilian international long to gain revenge for Benzema in emphatic fashion, though.

MADRID, SPAIN - MAY 29: Casemiro of Real Madrid applauds supporters during celebrations at estadio Santiago Bernabeu after winning the UEFA Champions League Final on May 29, 2022 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

At the mid-way point of the first period, Casemiro recklessly lunged at Milner directly in front of Jurgen Klopp's bench. The impact sent the Liverpool man sprawling off the pitch and prompted a furious reaction from Andy Robertson who immediately squared up to the Real man.

Casemiro, who was miles away from the ball when he made the challenge, was rightfully booked as a result, but couldn't have cared less.

He wanted revenge for his colleague - and he got it.

Cameras even caught Casemiro smirking as he was cautioned.

You can check out his act of retribution towards Milner below.

Watch: Man Utd-bound Casemiro wipes out Liverpool's James Milner in 2021

Casemiro is expected to join United before they face Liverpool at Old Trafford in their next Premier League game on Monday night.

However, according to the Manchester Evening News, Old Trafford chiefs been told there is "no chance" of the player being able to make his debut in the fixture as he still requires both a visa and clearance from the Premier League.

United fans might not see him in a red shirt as soon as they might like, but there can be little doubt that Casemiro is exactly the sort of no-nonsense player that the club needs right now.

Should the deal go through as expected, Casemiro's return to Anfield will likely take place in early March when United travel to Merseyside in the Premier League.

Don't be surprised if there are fireworks should Milner and Casemiro cross paths during that fixture.