Casemiro set to mentor Ederson in Brazil camp as Man United's £35m deal nears completion

Manchester United have reached an agreement to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson for £35m, with a further £4m in potential add-ons, as the club moves swiftly to replace the outgoing Casemiro. The deal is awaiting an official announcement before it is finalised, with the 26-year-old having already begun planning his move to Manchester.

The timing has created an unexpected opportunity for a smooth handover. Ederson was drafted into Brazil’s World Cup squad last week as a late replacement for injured full-back Wesley, meaning he will spend the coming weeks in the United States alongside Casemiro and fellow United forward Matheus Cunha. With just 20 days remaining on Casemiro’s contract, the veteran midfielder can serve as an informal guide for the man set to succeed him at Old Trafford.

Casemiro, 34, announced his departure in March after United decided against offering him a contract renewal. Head coach Michael Carrick moved quickly to identify Ederson as his replacement. Despite a turbulent four-year spell since arriving from Real Madrid in 2022, Casemiro ended his United career on a strong note, scoring a career-high nine league goals as the club secured third place in the Premier League this season.

The Brazilian has spoken warmly about his time at the club since his exit was confirmed. “All I can do is be grateful, because I am really enjoying myself a lot. Not just me, but all my family. It is an honour for us to listen to the fans’ love and affection,” he said in April. “The United fans, I am going to remember for the rest of my life.”

Ederson’s inclusion in the Selecao squad, called up by coach Carlo Ancelotti, gives Casemiro a natural setting in which to share his experience of what it means to represent a club of United’s scale. Having navigated the intense scrutiny of Real Madrid before moving to Old Trafford, Casemiro understands the demands that come with playing for a global institution — knowledge that could prove invaluable to his successor before a ball has even been kicked in a United shirt.