Manchester United have been dealt a reality check in the past few weeks, but it's fair to say that this one hasn't been as sobering as the setbacks littered across recent memory at Old Trafford.
Nonetheless, those of a United persuasion had been swept up in the giddy excitement of Michael Carrick's return to interim control. And who could blame them? Successive Premier League wins over Manchester City and Arsenal shattered the manacles that had been clamped so tightly throughout the disorganised and disheartening reign of Ruben Amorim, who was sacked in January.
Man Utd managers Amorim win rate post Ferguson (timeless)
Amorim needed to be dismissed, but United's need to get his replacement right was greater still. Bruno Fernandes and his team are now in with a real shot at returning to the Champions League, but recent gains haven't quite distracted from the need for reinforcements.
There are gaps in the United armour. Out on both wings, Carrick's side are somewhat short. However, it's the middle of the park that needs the most immediate attention.
Man Utd in talks to sign new midfielder
Casemiro will leave Manchester United at the end of the season. The club motto would coin his time in Manchester rather accurately, with previous admissions that he's finished at the highest level falling flat after a recent resurgence.
But the Brazilian is 34 and leaving when his contract expires, and though Kobbie Mainoo has reemerged as one of Carrington's top prospects, a big-money addition will be needed.
Well, INEOS are aiming for the stars, with Caught Offside revealing that informal talks have been held regarding Bruno Guimaraes' possible transfer from one United to the other this summer.
The Newcastle United captain has been Eddie Howe's linchpin over the past several years and, aged 28, likely feels that he's at the right time to earn a move to one of Europe's most prestigious outfits.
Bruno-Guimaraes
Guimaraes has been valued at £100m by the Magpies, who are currently engaged in contact talks with him as they scramble to deter suitors such as Man United.
Should a move be completed at that price, it would make it a club-record for the Red Devils.
Manchester United record signings Related
Man Utd's most expensive signings of all time
A number of their additions haven't lived up to expectations.
Why Man United should sign Guimaraes
Guimaraes has been "one of the best Premier League signings in recent years", according to journalist Sam Dean. Who could deny it? Brought in from Lyon for around £40m at the start of the new Toon project, he's won silverware and led Eddie Howe's side into two Champions League campaigns.
Bruno-Guimaraes
You could say he's ticked all the boxes on Tyneside and might fancy a shot at a new frontier in the Premier League, a Man United side searching for something that has been lost for some time now.
Fernandes has been the difference at Old Trafford in recent years. He is the club's definitive superstar of recent years and one of the greatest playmakers of his generation.
The two Brunos are not really comparable. Not in regard to the finer details of the midfield game. However, both carry a talismanic quality that can be noted through their wide-ranging skillsets, and there's every reason that they could work in conjunction in midfield next season, Fernandes positioned in a more advanced berth.
Premier League Comparison (2025/26)
Stats (* per 90)
Matches (starts)
Goals + Assists
Touches
Shots (on target)*
Accurate passes*
Chances created
Key passes*
Possession lost*
Succ. dribbles*
Ball recoveries*
Tackles + interceptions*
Clearances*
Duels (won)*
While Fernandes was tasked with playing a moonlit role in central midfield under Amorim's management, he has always been at his best in an attacking role. His combativeness and ability to outdrive opponents lend to him versatility and dynamism, but someone like Guimaraes would be a more natural addition to the heart of the engine room.
But Guimaraes could actually take the focal role from Fernandes all the same. He has been the difference-maker at St. James' Park, the one who has kept fighting through the ups and the downs, standing proud and leading by example after Alexander Isak rocked the boat with a record-breaking move to Liverpool.
They may not be carbon-copy midfielders, but they are both well-rounded. Guimaraes may not be an out-and-out creator, but his prowess as an elite No. 8 may well be unmatched in the Premier League. Certainly, he is in the top bracket.
And it's not like Guimaraes isn't capable of producing a show-stopping pass.
Last summer, Amorim did do something right. By signing Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, he landed two proven Premier League forwards. Reshaping the frontline was a priority, and those additions paid dividends.
Now, Guimaraes could follow that track, having played 147 matches in England's top division. Even this draws a parallel with Fernandes' own journey: the Portugal star left Sporting Lisbon and arrived at the Theatre of Dreams in January 2020, when he was approaching his 26th birthday.
Bruno MB Fernandes
In Guimaraes, Man United would sign their new Bruno. But he'd be more than just the Portuguese Magnifico's namesake. This is one of the most talented and tenacious midfielders in Europe. A leader, he would spearhead a successful new chapter.
Bruno-Fernandes Related
[Forget Bruno: Man Utd star is now becoming the "best player in the squad"](https://www.footballfancast.com/forget-bruno-man-utd-mainoo-becoming-best-player-in-the-squad/ "Forget Bruno: Man Utd star is now becoming the "best player in the squad"")
Manchester United have another star who's caught the eye in the first team this season.