Manchester United’s Bruno Guimaraes transfer chase is taking concrete shape, and it proves that Ineos are all-in on their most ambitious project.
Many promises have been made by Ineos since taking part-ownership of the club, but the decisions haven’t exactly backed their words.
Only after stumbling upon Michael Carrick after the disasters of Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim does the future look slightly secure.
Ineos are looking to strike while the iron is hot, and Man Utd’s chase for Bruno Guimaraes proves they are all-in on their most ambitious project, which cements the legacy of one player.
Bruno Guimaraes hands the ball to Bruno Fernandes as Manchester United face Newcastle United.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
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He has the leadership and goals that are going to be needed after Casemiro's exit…
Bruno Guimaraes walks with ball under his arm for Newcastle.
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Bruno Guimaraes is a step towards Project 2028 for Ineos
If one takes a look through every signing Ineos have made so far at Man Utd, a clear pattern starts to emerge.
The players are either young and exciting with bags of potential or at the peak of their careers, but with enough years still left to give.
Noussair Mazraoui, at 27, is the oldest player bought by Ineos to Old Trafford, a record that is under threat if the Bruno Guimaraes signing materialises.
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Guimaraes will turn 29 less than four months into next season, so he’s pretty much along the same lines as Casemiro when he was signed.
The difference, though, is that Casemiro was signed to fix a flawed team, while Ineos clearly think that Guimaraes is one of the final pieces of a title-winning team.
The interest in Guimaraes shows that Ineos are all-in on “Project 2028”, which is to see United win the title in 2028 when the club marks its 150th anniversary.
For that to happen, United need players who will come in and hit the ground running from day one, and improve further after a season at the club.
Guimaraes fits that bill perfectly, and if Ineos’ vision is realised, it will also cement the legacy of Bruno Fernandes.
Project 2028 will cement Bruno Fernandes’ legacy at Man Utd
Bruno Fernandes has been a man on a mission this season, even when things were stacked against him, and he’s been unleashed by Carrick since then.
What does Bruno Fernandes have to do in 2026 to challenge for the Ballon d’Or?
Win the World Cup? Win the Premier League POTY? Break the assist record?
Bruno Fernandes Ballon d'Or Talking points graphic.
Credit: Getty Images.
For many Man Utd fans, the way Fernandes has stuck by the club and continued to produce world-class numbers in a clearly not world-class team is enough to crown him a legend.
However, he is missing that marquee title in Man Utd colours, which would take that opinion and turn it into a fact.
If Ineos’ Project 2028 is successful and United win the PL with Fernandes as the captain, his legacy as a bona fide club legend will be cemented.
Ineos dream of the same happening, which is why they’re focused on extending his contract now and adding ready-made players alongside him.
It would be poetic if one Bruno ends up being the final piece of the puzzle, who carries the other Bruno to the promised land of the PL title.
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