Official: Resurgent United duo recalled to national team after lengthy exiles

New Brazil national team boss Carlo Ancelotti has recalled Manchester United stars Casemiro and Antony after their extended absences.

Ancelotti was recently appointed Brazil head coach after electing to part ways with Real Madrid. He endured a trophyless season with Madrid and the decision was made to replace him with Xabi Alonso.

A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Ancelotti was keen to reunite with Casemiro, whom he successfully worked with at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Casemiro last featured for his country a year ago, and his return comes as Ancelotti seeks to inject experience into a squad that has massively underperformed in the last few years.

The midfielder has enjoyed a renaissance under Ruben Amorim, playing a crucial role in United’s run to the Europa League final, although he couldn’t help the team get over the line against Tottenham Hotspur. Casemiro had another brilliant game against Aston Villa on Sunday, in United’s final Premier League match of the 2024/25 campaign.

On recalling Casemiro, Ancelotti told the media, “Casemiro is a great player. I was lucky enough to play alongside him and I think the national team needs this type of player, who has charisma, personality and talent.”

“Brazil has always had a lot of talent and in modern football you have to add attitude, commitment and sacrifice, and that’s what Casemiro has.”

Antony is another United player who has been brought back into the fold in Brazil’s senior set-up.

The winger has looked like a player reborn since departing United and joining Real Betis in the January transfer window.

Antony has notched an impressive nine goals and five assists in 25 games for Los Verdiblancos. He has been one of the best players in La Liga since his arrival, and it’s no surprise Ancelotti thinks he can rely on the 25-year-old.

Antony was dropped from Brazil in September 2023 over allegations of domestic violence against his former partner.

United could have as many as three stars representing them in the Selecao, with Matheus Cunha also part of the squad. Fabrizio Romano recently revealed that the Red Devils have an agreement in place to complete the signing of Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

A PRIMEIRA LISTA DE CARLO ANCELOTTI NA SELEÇÃO BRASILEIRA! 🇧🇷 Se liga nos convocados do Carleto para os jogos contra Equador e Paraguai! #SeleçãoBrasileira pic.twitter.com/sxYa1OFQER

— TNT Sports BR (@TNTSportsBR) May 26, 2025

Brazil are set to face Ecuador in Guayaquil on June 5, followed by a home clash against Paraguay on June 10. Wins in both fixtures, coupled with favourable outcomes in other matches, would be enough to seal their qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

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