Manchester United are in the market for a new midfielder in the summer with Bruno Guimaraes added to their shortlist after recommendation from Casemiro
Bruno Guimaraes
Bruno Guimaraes could leave Newcastle United in the summer after being recommended to Manchester United(Image: Getty Images)
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Newcastle United and Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has been picked out as a potential summer arrival at Manchester United by Casemiro. The 34-year-old will leave United at the end of the season when his contract comes to an end.
His exit was confirmed some time ago, leaving United time to consider their options for potential replacements. Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton have both been linked with moves to Old Trafford.
However, Spanish outlet AS has claimed that Casemiro has selected Guimaraes and recommended United to replace him with the Newcastle star at the end of the season. Sandro Tonali is another member of Eddie Howe's team that has been reportedly considered ahead of the summer.
With Kobbie Mainoo back among the first names on the United teamsheet under Michael Carrick, a new No.6 is expected at the top of Omar Berrada's transfer wishlist at the end of the season. But is Guimaraes the right man to replace Casemiro?
Here, our writers have their say on whether the Newcastle star should be signed or not...
Josh Holland
Bruno Guimaraes is a midfielder that I have been confident would move on to a big club eventually ever since his first few weeks at Newcastle United. There was even a point where he seemed destined to go to Arsenal.
However, Kobbie Mainoo being at the club and showing what he can do under Carrick means United need a world-class No.6, something that doesn’t fit Guimaraes' strengths.
Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United
Kobbie Mainoo has seen a resurgence under Michael Carrick at Manchester United(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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Elliot Anderson’s performances for Nottingham Forest this season have put him in pole position to come in. He’s now in the England set-up and despite Forest’s struggles, he’s consistently defensively sound.
Guimaraes shouldn’t be ruled out, though. United’s midfield options behind Mainoo, with Casemiro leaving and Manuel Ugarte failing to inspire, does leave them short, particularly for Champions League football.
Anderson and Guimaraes would be perfect. But with the other positions that need attention, the price has to be right to sign both midfielders.
Patrick Austen-Hardy
Casemiro recommending Bruno Guimaraes would be the perfect way for the midfielder to say farewell to Manchester United. The Newcastle United midfielder has been one of the Premier League's finest midfielders since his shock arrival from Lyon.
He was considered a top midfielder then, but he is one of the best in the world now. The likes of Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson may be younger, but Guimaraes is a natural born leader for the Magpies.
Considering he has two years left on his contract, this summer will also be the Magpies' best chance to cash in and yield maximum value. Guimaraes can spot a pass and find the net as well as Casemiro, but what he has over the ex-Real Madrid midfielder is energy and legs.
Bruno Guimaraes
Bruno Guimaraes is reportedly on Manchester United's radar(Image: Newcastle United via Getty Image)
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He would be the perfect midfield partner for Kobbie Mainoo, giving the youngster the opportunity to move the ball up the field and connect with United's creative midfielders, while also covering the ground he may leave behind. It looks like a perfect fit, but do not be surprised if United go for the younger options.
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Kieran Horn
There is no doubting that Bruno Guimaraes is an excellent midfielder and it could be a great market opportunity for Man United to take advantage of if Newcastle miss out on major European football for next season.
However, United desperately need a No.6 and while Guimaraes can absolutely play in that role, he is better further forward.
That has been highlighted by his 16 goal contributions this season. The Kobbie Mainoo role would arguably be better for the Brazilian but the former is obviously going nowhere.
I still find myself leaning towards Elliot Anderson as the Casemiro replacement. Though he has started playing further forward, he has the attributes to be a lone defensive midfielder and play in a pivot.
Elliot Anderson speaks at a press conference
Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson has been among the midfielders linked with Man United(Image: Getty Images)
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Nottingham Forest getting relegated could also make it that much more tempting for United.
Isaac Seelochan
Bruno Guimaraes would be an excellent signing for United. He has the courage and skill in midfield to excite fans at Old Trafford.
But for a player who turns 29 in November and the money Newcastle will want - I don’t think Ineos will target him. It’s more likely they will look to a younger option, such as Elliot Anderson or Adam Wharton.
Carlos Baleba would have been in the mix, but his mixed form for Brighton this season may put several suitors off, particularly after the Seagulls reportedly demanded more than £100m for him last summer.
I think United will be keen to get a new midfielder over the line before prices go up after the World Cup. Given the choice, Anderson looks more likely than Guimaraes.
Joe Doyle
I think Bruno Guimaraes is a great midfielder, but I'm not sure he'd be an ideal replacement for Casemiro.
As a United fan, I'd take him - don't get me wrong. United's midfield urgently needs strength in depth if they're going to be competing in the Champions League next season.
A lot is contingent on Bruno Fernandes' future, though. I think if United sign the Brazilian midfielder, they'd both be eyeing up the same role in a 4-3-3, and we'd soon be in a similar situation as we saw with Kobbie Mainoo earlier this season. Fernandes won't be the one to sit out. If Fernandes leaves, Guimaraes could well be a good option.
But United need a defensively-minded midfielder to replace Casemiro, and Bruno Guimaraes isn't that man. I'd certainly have him in the squad, but Newcastle are likely to ask a huge fee for him, and at this stage United need to prioritise bringing in the right players in the right roles rather than signing players simply because there's an opportunity to do so.