Brazil midfielder Danilo has thanked Casemiro for his support as the team prepare for the 2026 World Cup.
Speaking at his press conference ahead of Brazil’s friendly with Croatia, manager Carlo Ancelotti declared that Botafogo midfielder Danilo will be in his World Cup squad: “He will be on the final list because I like him.”
Danilo told ESPN that he has Manchester United mainstay Casemiro to thank.
“Casemiro is a role model. Since my first call-up, he’s been talking to me, giving me tips.
“Now I’m able to learn more from him, about movement, forward passes. I’m very happy to be working with him again.”
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Danilo: Linked to Manchester United previously
If the name Danilo feels familiar, it’s not because of the former Manchester City defender.
This Danilo is a face Manchester United may recognise, because the midfielder signed for Nottingham Forest in 2023, and played more than 60 games for the club.
In 2024, TNT Sports Brasil reported that Danilo was generating interest from Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United.
Danilo’s valuation was cited at £34 million, an increase on the £16 million Forest paid to sign him a year earlier.
United focused attention on signing Manuel Ugarte instead for £42 million.
And such is the high turnover of players, managers and even sporting directors at Forest, that one year later Danilo was sold to Botafogo in Brazil for £21 million.
Nottingham Forest News writer Lee Clarke notes: “Danilo would likely be a better option than any of the midfield or attacking options Forest purchased in the summer, and it looks like a decision that might prove costly.”
Danilo has scored five goals in six matches to start the Brazilian league campaign.
Which former target would be the perfect solution in midfield this summer if we could go back in time?
One to watch at the World Cup
Manchester United fans will be wary of buying Brazilian midfielders off the back of World Cup performances. Sir Alex Ferguson once made this mistake with Kleberson.
Danilo is a player who might be worth monitoring, however, as he already has two seasons of Premier League experience.
Still only 24, Danilo will benefit from a focused period learning alongside Casemiro this summer.
If United want a cheaper midfield option than some of the extravagantly priced options, Danilo might be one to watch.
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