Carlo Ancelotti says Man Utd star linked to five clubs is ‘impossible’ to replace

Carlo Ancelotti is a huge fan of Man Utd and Brazil star Casemiro (Picture: Shutterstock)

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti says it is ‘impossible’ to replace Casemiro because of the midfielder’s unique set of characteristics.

Casemiro is the only Manchester United player in the current Brazil squad but he is unable to play against Bolivia in World Cup qualifying this week.

The 33-year-old is suspended after being shown a yellow card in Brazil’s 3-0 win over Chile last time out.

Ancelotti feels there are not many players like Casemiro and is gutted to be without the former Real Madrid star for Brazil’s next match.

‘Looking for a midfielder with Casemiro’s characteristics is impossible,’ Ancelotti said ahead of the clash with Bolivia.

‘There’s no other Brazilian player who has the same characteristics as Casemiro.’

Casemiro has started all three of United’s Premier League games so far this season against Arsenal, Fulham and Burnley respectively.

Casemiro is unable to play against Bolivia in World Cup qualifying (Picture: Getty)

In June, it was reported that United were open to offers for Casemiro in the summer transfer window.

Casemiro is the highest earner in United’s squad on £350,000-per-week wages, according to Capology.

His current contract at United is set to expire at the end of the 2025-26 season.

Casemiro has started all three of Man Utd’s top-flight games this term (Picture: Getty)

Saudi clubs Al Hilal and Al Nassr along with Brazilian sides Flamengo, Palmeiras and Sao Paulo are reported to be interested in signing Casemiro when he leaves United.

Earlier this year, Casemiro said that he wanted to stay at Old Trafford until he is no longer under contract.

‘I have a year and a half left on my contract, and I’d like to see it out here in Manchester,’ he said in February.

‘I’m comfortable here, and my family is too. They’ve adapted, we speak English. I’m very grateful to the fans and the club. I’m happy at the club.’

Meanwhile, Ancelotti has revealed that Chelsea’s Andrey Santos may take Casemiro’s spot in Brazil’s XI against Bolivia in one of three current options he is considering.

‘We have other players who can play in that position with different characteristics,’ Ancelotti added.

‘It could be Andrey Santos, it could be Bruno [Guimaraes].

‘I also think that with different characteristics, because I’m not crazy, [Lucas] Paqueta can also play as a holding midfielder because he has the skill and technical characteristics to build play from the back.’

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