"A natural replacement for Casemiro" - Ex-PL Brazilian praises Man United's Ederson capture
Former Brazilian midfielder Sandro believes Ederson is the perfect long term replacement for Casemiro at Old Trafford
Manchester United’s imminent capture of Atalanta’s Ederson has been lauded as the most “natural replacement for Casemiro” by former Premier League Brazilian midfielder Sandro.
Casemiro leaves Old Trafford on a free transfer this summer after a largely successful four-year spell, having scored 15 goals in 111 Premier League appearances.
New permanent boss Michael Carrick is prioritising a midfield rebuild this summer, with several midfielders being linked with a move to the Premier League giants.
One midfielder is close to being confirmed as the club’s first arrival of the summer, with a £35m deal for Atalanta’s Brazilian star Ederson being agreed this week.
The likes of Elliot Anderson, Mateus Fernandes and Carlos Baleba are also reported to be on Carrick’s midfield wishlist this summer.
But Sandro believes Ederson is the most natural player to fill Casemiro’s boots in Carrick’s midfield, with his ability to control games one of the key reasons why United wanted to get a deal done quickly for the 26-year-old.
Speaking via Stake, Sandro said: “I know that he's a top midfielder.
“I know that he's strong. He has that physical ability to play in the Premier League and I know that a few other clubs wanted to sign him from the Premier League as well.
“This is a player that will come to United to replace Casemiro. And, wow… to replace Casemiro, you have to put your level right at the top, right up there with the best, because Casemiro is a huge, huge player, and he did well at United.
“I think he has the quality to build the game and he has the strength to take players out, because he's that strong.
“I don't know if he can be box-to-box, but he will be the midfielder who will control the game. He can pass well, he can tackle, he can be that player who’s strong in the middle.
“I think he’s a natural replacement for Casemiro. I think he's built in the same style of characteristics.”
But Sandro has also warned that Ederson might need time to adapt to the demands of Premier League football, although he has no doubts that his compatriot will prove to be a success in England’s top flight.
“It's always so difficult when you move to the Premier League, because the Premier League is another level,” he said.
“You have to see if the player has the condition, and he has the condition, so it's just to adapt. It's just the manager who will need to give him time. But he has the quality to go there and to enjoy the Premier League.”