Things are finally looking up for Manchester United. The Red Devils have gone from the prospect of a panicked summer transfer window in need of a complete transformation to the potential of entering it as a Champions League side.
Michael Carrick has so far completed his interim spell to perfection, handing INEOS the foundations to build a consistent top four side and perhaps even more in the coming months.
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Man United have been here before, of course, but this time they're looking to build on what was already a fantastic transfer window last summer.
Man Utd's summer transfer plans
This time last year, INEOS were drawing up plans to complete an attacking transformation and when the summer arrived, they completed exactly that. Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko all arrived and all three have ended the curse of big-money signings ever since at Old Trafford.
Man Utd's attack 25/25 Goals Assists
Bryan Mbeumo 10 3
Matheus Cunha 7 3
Benjamin Sesko 10 1
Now, Man United must do the same in midfield. With Casemiro set to leave as a free agent, INEOS must find a long-term replacement to partner Kobbie Mainoo.
Recent rumours have claimed that the plan is very much to focus on reinforcements in the middle of the park, too. Names such as Elliot Anderson have threatened to steal the headlines, as Manchester City and Man United do battle for his £100m arrival.
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But he's not the only name on INEOS' radar. According to Reuters, Man United are now homing in on Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United, who is likely to cost around £70m this summer.
It's reported that top officials at Old Trafford are actually in 'advanced talks' to sign the midfielder. However, interest from Real Madrid threatens to complicate any proposed move.
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The report rounds things off by suggesting that United are 'pushing' to get a deal done.
Why Guimaraes could be Man Utd's best signing since Fernandes
If the Red Devils are looking for a transformative midfielder, then they should look no further than Guimaraes. The Newcastle star has been the most important player at St James' Park for some time, but United's potential Champions League place could lure him to Old Trafford.
What's more, his move would also be coming at the perfect time. As Casemiro, who has become a goalscoring midfielder from deep this season, heads for the exit door, Guimaraes would be a like-for-like replacement.
PL stats 25/26 Guimaraes Casemiro
Minutes 2,018 2,065
Tackles 50 67
Goals 9 7
Recoveries 108 115
Chances created 38 27
Two players with very similar numbers, it's clear how much Man United will miss Casemiro if they fail to find the right replacement. The Brazilian has gone from a transfer flop to an important player. So much so that perhaps only his compatriot can act as a replacement.
Guimaraes' versatility is also an important trait. Had Rubem Amorim signed the Newcastle man, there's every chance that Bruno Fernandes would have never stepped into a deeper role.
Now, ahead of a new era, the £70m would be the perfect partner for Man United's talisman. Just that added threat of creativity, alone, would boost the Red Devils.
As much as Carrick has transformed them, it's still far too easy to stop Man United when you stop Fernandes. Add Guimaraes into the mix and stopping one Bruno is unlikely to stop the other. It's also worth noting that, should Fernandes be unavailable, Guimaraes would be able to step into a more advanced role.
As signings go, the Newcastle man would be just as transformative as the Portuguese international was back in 2020. The same question that Man United ask regarding where they'd be without Fernandes is the same that Newcastle often ponder regarding their own star midfielder.
Like the captain at Old Trafford, Guimaraes would be arriving at the peak of his powers at 28 years old. It would be the addition of another Premier League-proven star and would represent the clear improvement in recruitment since INEOS arrived.
Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes
Should it be Julian Nagelsmann who takes the reins as Man United's next manager too, then the Brazilian would make even more sense. His high-energy performances so often set the tone for Newcastle and would be a perfect match for the bold approach that the former Bayern Munich manager often takes in his 4-2-3-1 system.
On paper, a midfield two of Mainoo and Guimaraes with Fernandes advancing would stand out as one of the best in the Premier League.
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.