Manchester United-linked Danilo has proven that he could bring two key qualities that Brazil teammate Casemiro offered if the Red Devils signed him this summer.
Casemiro left Old Trafford at the end of the 2025-26 Premier League campaign after the 34-year-old Brazilian midfielder’s Manchester United contract expired.
Ineos have been left with the major task of filling the void left behind by Casemiro amid the Red Devils’ major rebuild of the midfield in the United first-team squad.
Casemiro, who played alongside Danilo at this summer’s World Cup tournament with Brazil, has since moved to Sir David Beckham’s Inter Miami as a free signing.
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Danilo’s understanding of Casemiro’s abilities would make him the perfect fit for Man Utd
Danilo has attracted Manchester United’s attention in the past and the 25-year-old Brazil international has been tipped to leave Brazilian Serie A side Botafogo this summer.
The Brazilian midfielder returned to his native homeland in 2025 after he left Nottingham Forest and completed a reported £21.7m transfer to Botafogo.
Man Utd have already recruited for their summer midfield rebuild, including signing Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa.
Speaking at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Danilo opened up on Casemiro mentoring him and his Brazil teammate showed him the importance of “movement” and “forward passes.”
“Casemiro is a role model,” he said, as per ESPN in March.
“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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Michael Carrick’s Man Utd system would suit Danilo if the Brazil international can adopt Casemiro’s playing style
Michael Carrick’s tactics during his interim reign at Man Utd relied on the double pivot of England star Kobbie Mainoo and Brazil international Casemiro.
The limited options to rotate Casemiro put added pressure on the five-time Champions League winner to play the full 90 minutes in the midfield.
But United have the opportunity to add more depth to the double pivot in Carrick’s system, with Danilo understanding the qualities needed to perform in the role.
Carrick’s formation changes out of possession and in the build-up, which means the effectiveness of movement and forward passes from the midfielders is critical.
Danilo has a low-cost release clause in his Botafogo contract and the Brazilian could be well worth rolling the dice on for a Casemiro-esque replacement this summer.
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