The final months of the 2025/26 season have seen chants of “one more year, Casemiro” echoing around Old Trafford, but fellow Manchester United supporters may be somewhat grateful that the Brazilian’s time at the club has come to an end.
It may sound harsh, but the veteran Brazilian, who has had a great run under manager Michael Carrick, was sluggish at half-time after picking up a trademark yellow card in the first half and suffered a disastrous 1-1 draw with Morocco last weekend.
His immediate replacement was another elderly midfielder named Fabinho, formerly of Liverpool, but his call-up to the squad was delayed, so it would be no surprise if United’s Ederson was forced into the role.
Casemiro vs Morocco | |
|---|---|
status | record |
minutes | 45 |
touch | 32 |
Pass accuracy | 94% |
ball lost | 5 |
key pass | 1 |
It was successful. dribble | 0/1 |
tackle | 0/1 |
ground duel | 2/8 |
aerial duel | 1/1 |
dribbled past | 3 |
The 26-year-old is almost certain to join the Red Devils from Atalanta next month, becoming the first of several potential midfielders to join this summer.
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Ederson’s arrival in Carlo Ancelotti’s side may delay his arrival somewhat, but it looks almost certain that the 2024 Europa League winner will join United for a fee in the region of £35m.
With top target Elliott Anderson no longer part of the equation, INEOS have shifted their focus to West Ham United’s Matheus Fernandes, with the club hierarchy appearing to abandon their contract with the Portuguese playmaker.
The possibility of a third midfield addition has not been ruled out in preparation for Manuel Ugarte’s departure, but it is entirely possible that the youngster, worth an estimated £80m, could be signed as a number two.
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That scenario would see Jason Wilcox and others join the race to sign Lille star Ayyoub Bouadi, with Football Fancast’s sources revealing the club are linked with Arsenal and Liverpool looking to sign the 18-year-old.
The most concrete move so far has been from United, who are said to be in talks with the Ligue 1 side over the potential cost of a deal.
The Moroccan teenager is thought to be worth around £70 million, with Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain also among the growing list of suitors.
Comparison of Bouadi and Ederson in 2025/26
A reported £70m transfer fee may seem like a lot for a player who won’t turn 19 until October, but if United don’t act now, that figure will only rise in the coming years.
Indeed, analyst and Como scout Ben Mattinson believes Bouadi is developing into a “£100m midfielder”, as he most recently proved against Casemiro’s Brazil.
The departing United man struggled in the opening 45 minutes, being dribbled through three times in an intense game, but Bouadi looked above his class as he dictated his World Cup debut.
The French-born teenager played the full 90 minutes on the day, boasting a passing accuracy of 91%, winning nine duels on the ground and completing three of his five dribble attempts as he glided up the pitch against far more experienced opponents.
It was truly amazing to see him perform so well in just his fourth international appearance, but it’s worth noting that he has now made 100 appearances for club and country at the top level.
His wealth of experience at such a young age is a testament to his talent and it looks as if he could immediately overtake Ederson to become Koby Mainu’s starting midfield partner.
Bouadi is especially good at carrying the ball, averaging 1.1 successful dribbles per game in Ligue 1 in the 2025/26 season. By the way, Ederson averaged just 0.5 points in that regard in Serie A.
Neither player was necessarily the most creative player, with just one assist and three “big chances” created, but it was their work in possession that was particularly eye-catching.
Bouadi also seems to be better in that regard, with both players averaging 2.9 tackles and interceptions last season, but the youngster outperformed the South American in terms of ball recoveries (5.0 vs. 4.4), total duels won (57% vs. 54%) and errors (1 vs. 3).
Bouadi also completes just 0.5 dribbles per game, which is also more average than Ederson (0.5), further proving what an athletic and physical pillar he is in front of the back four.
United may be wary of spending big on another Lille prospect following a difficult period for Lenny Yolo, but this could be another signing with a long-term view at Old Trafford.
Having said that, all the evidence points to Bouadi being able to make a more immediate impact, potentially tipping Ederson to be a stand-in in Carrick’s squad.
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