Casemiro is entering the final weeks of his Manchester United contract and will become a free agent, but he can still play a significant role in helping new signing Ederson settle at the club. The 34-year-old Brazilian confirmed his departure in March after the club opted not to offer fresh terms, and manager Michael Carrick has moved quickly to identify Ederson as his successor.
United reached an agreement with Atalanta to sign Brazilian midfielder Ederson for £35 million, plus £4 million in potential add-ons, with the transfer awaiting formal confirmation. Ederson was preparing for his new chapter in Manchester before receiving a late call-up to the Brazil World Cup squad after full-back Wesley suffered an injury. This gives him the chance to join forces with new teammates Matheus Cunha and Casemiro in the United States.
Casemiro has had a challenging period at Old Trafford but finished on a positive note, scoring a personal-best nine league goals as United secured third place in the Premier League in the 2025/26 campaign. Despite some testing times, he has cherished his bond with the supporters. 'All I can do is be grateful, because I am really enjoying myself a lot. It is an honour for us to listen to the fans' love and affection,' he said in April after his exit was announced.
The biggest difference between life at Atalanta and United is the pressure, especially from club legends working as pundits. Casemiro, who previously played for Real Madrid, can offer advice to his compatriot. The most important lesson is that dedication and discipline are valued highly by United fans. Initial criticism that he was an overpaid failure has faded, and he leaves regarded as a midfield mainstay.
As Ederson prepares to take over, no one has a better perspective on how to succeed than the man he is replacing, which can only benefit Carrick and United as they build on an impressive campaign.
