Another day, another central midfielder linked with a move to Manchester United.
Casemiro’s impending exit will see United enter the market for a replacement for the Brazilian. Factor in Manuel Ugarte’s likely departure, and it’s only a matter of time before the Premier League side make their move.
In this article, we’ll cover:
A host of players have been linked with an Old Trafford switch once it was confirmed that Casemiro would leave the club. Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni has emerged as a target for United. Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace is another on the club’s wishlist.
Multiple Brazilian players are also believed to be on the club’s radar. Joao Gomes and Ederson have been linked with a summer switch. And another is supposedly wanted by United if reports over the weekend are to be believed.
Danilo emerges as United target
Danilo departed Nottingham Forest last summer. The midfielder spent two-and-a-half years at the City Ground but struggled to consolidate a starting spot in the Midlands. However, in the year since his return to Brazil, the 25-year-old has been a revelation. While he struggled to acclimatise to Brazilian football following his return to his homeland, Danilo’s performances for Botafogo this season have attracted interest from Europe.
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And Botafogo’s rumoured preference to sell Danilo to Europe suits United, among other interested suitors. That he caught Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti’s attention has certainly helped. Indeed, Danilo won his first Selecao caps in March international break as he featured for Ancelotti’s side in meetings with France and Croatia.
It was richly deserved international recognition, too. Danilo has now scored seven goals and laid on an additional two assists in the Brasileirao this season. He couldn’t help Botafogo to a result against Remo at the weekend, but that should take anything away from what has been a fine 2026 campaign to date.
Is Danilo the man to replace Casemiro?
The issue will be, though, whether Danilo could be considered an appropriate replacement for compatriot Casemiro at Old Trafford. There’s no denying that Casemiro is one of the finest ball winners of his generation. United will need a number 6 to complement the number 8 in Michael Carrick’s favoured 4-2-3-1 setup. The appropriate players to shield the defence and allow the attacking stars the flourish.
Now, Danilo can play this role. He averaged a respectable 2.6 tackles per 90 in his final injury-hit season at Forest. However, now back at Botafogo, Danilo’s talents as a high-energy box-to-box star are being maximised.
It means that he’s averaging just 1.3 tackles per 90, a significant drop on Casemiro’s haul of 3.2 tackles per 90. The United man also ranks higher for ground duels contested per 90 (8.5 to 6.7), ground duel success rate (54.04% to 36.11%) and interceptions per 90 (1.1 to 0.5).
What that does mean, though, is that Danilo ranks better for in-possession metrics. Danilo is creating more chances per 90 (1.8 to 1.3) and averaging more completed take ons per 90 (0.7 to 0.3) in their respective leagues this season. He’s able to win the ball effectively, evident in that he’s won possession in the midfield third 28 times, the 10th most in the Brasileirao this season, and drive the ball forward to link up the midfield and attack.
Better suited as Mainoo competition
Admittedly, he’s able to play as a midfield anchor, but in doing so, United would waste Danilo’s talents. Restricting him to a number 6 would be counter-intuitive.
So, while Danilo may be viewed as a Casemiro replacement, he’d be better suited acting as cover and competition for Kobbie Mainoo as a number 8. Saying that, United are expected to be in the market for more than one midfielder. It’s not a case of the Manchester giants signing Danilo, and it’ll mean that miss out on Wharton or Tchouameni.
With a return to the Champions League guaranteed following their 3-2 win over Liverpool, Michael Carrick needs cover across a number of areas. Central midfield is the priority, but they’ve also been linked with a move for a new striker and left-back.
Botafogo won’t want to lose Danilo on the cheap. His current contract expires in 2029, meaning the Brazilian powerhouse are under no pressure to sell their prized asset. They’d demand a hefty fee to entertain his sale.
United are readying themselves for a crunch summer. Danilo could be a solid pick up as Carrick’s side seek to strengthen a key area.