Casemiro's appointment to become his successor has responded to that "privilege" amid speculation of interest from Manchester United
Michael Carrick manager / head coach of Manchester United embraces Casemiro after the Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford
Casemiro has already named his midfield successor as he departs Manchester United(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
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Ahead of Brazil's bow at World Cup 2026, Bruno Guimaraes has spoken of his honour at being named Casemiro's successor. Manchester United have been linked with a £69million move for the Newcastle captain, who could take over Casemiro's role at both club and international level.
The Selecao begin their World Cup campaign against Morocco on Saturday evening when both midfielders will be in contention to start. This summer's showcase in North America will most likely be Casemiro's World Cup farewell, after which his Magpies counterpart will be expected to succeed him in earnest.
Guimaraes is grateful just to be compared to his compatriot given all he's achieved in football to date. And there may be no better target for Michael Carrick to fill the chasm left following Casemiro's summer exit.
"It’s certainly a privilege to hear those words from someone as successful as Casemiro," Guimaraes told AS ahead of Brazil's World Cup opener. "Honestly, I’m not thinking about that right now.
"My focus is entirely on this World Cup. It was a dream for me to be in good shape for a World Cup and my aim is to help Brazil win this title. I’m always ready to help."
Guimaraes, 28, is one of numerous midfielders being touted as a target for United in their midfield search. The South American appears to be within the club's budget range after United reportedly declined to participate in a bidding war for £120m-rated Elliot Anderson.
Bruno Guimaraes celebrates his team's fourth goal, scored by teammate Harvey Barnes during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Leeds United at St James' Park.
Bruno Guimaraes has described what a privilege it is to be called Casemiro's successor with Brazil(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
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West Ham's Mateus Fernandes and Bournemouth's Alex Scott are also reported to be on that wish list. What's more, United are already expected to complete a £39m deal for Atalanta's Ederson, who could reunite with a familiar face if Guimaraes were to join, too.
It was back in October 2023 that Casemiro first went public with his admiration of international team-mate Guimaraes. And while the pair may not get the chance to play together at club level, it was clear even then just how highly he respected his countryman as a player.
"Bruno Guimaraes is a player who has been doing an exceptional job at Newcastle," said the five-time Champions League-winner. "With every practice and every game, I am more comfortable with him. He is a great player. He has been demonstrating this in the most difficult league in the world."
Guimaraes' Newcastle team-mate Sandro Tonali is another name that's been linked with United in recent months. However, Arsenal's supposed interest in the Italian could make that a difficult proposition in itself.
Newcastle would prefer not to part with their skipper of the past two seasons, though the club's precarious financial position puts them in a difficult position. Eddie Howe's side failed to qualify for Europe after finishing 12th in the Premier League and reportedly need player sales to balance the books.
Casemiro is already purported to have aided United in one transfer signing after tipping Ederson as a major talent on his way out of the exit. And he could yet see another of his World Cup team-mates help resolve his departure at Old Trafford after high praise.