Things are finally looking up for Manchester United. The Red Devils have gained the possibility of entering as a Champions League side, with the prospect of a panicked summer transfer window requiring a complete transformation.
Michael Carrick has completed the interim period perfectly so far, giving INEOS the foundations to build a stable top-four team and perhaps even more in the coming months.
Of course, Man United have been here before, but this time they are looking to build on what was already an excellent transfer window last summer.
Manchester United’s summer transfer plans
This time last year, INEOS had plans to complete its offensive transformation, and when summer arrived, they did just that. Brian Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesco have all arrived, with all three ending their big-money spell at Old Trafford since then.
Manchester United attack 25/25 | the goal | assist |
|---|---|---|
Brian Mbeumo | 10 | 3 |
Matheus Cunha | 7 | 3 |
Benjamin Sesco | 10 | 1 |
Now, Manchester United have to do the same thing in midfield. With Casemiro set to leave as a free agent, INEOS must find a long-term replacement for his partner Koby Mainu.
Recent rumors suggest that the plan also focuses on reinforcing the central part of the park. A name like Elliott Anderson threatens to steal the headlines as Manchester City and Man United compete for his £100m signature.
But he’s not the only name on INEOS’ radar. According to Reuters, Man United are currently targeting Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle United in a move that could cost him around £70 million this summer.
Old Trafford bosses are reportedly in “advanced negotiations” to sign the midfielder. However, the proposed move could be complicated by interest from Real Madrid.
The report concludes by suggesting United are “pushing” towards a deal.
Why Guimarães could be Manchester United’s best player since Fernandes
If the Red Devils are looking for a transformative midfielder, look no further than Guimarães. The Newcastle star has been the most important player at St James’ Park for some time, but United’s Champions League qualification could lure him to Old Trafford.
Moreover, his move could come at the perfect time. Guimarães will be a similar replacement as Casemiro, who has become a goal-scoring midfielder from deep this season, heads for the exits.
PL statistics 25/26 | Guimaraes | Casemiro |
|---|---|---|
minutes | 2,018 | 2,065 |
tackle | 50 | 67 |
the goal | 9 | 7 |
collect | 108 | 115 |
An opportunity has arisen | 38 | 27 |
With two players with very similar numbers, it’s clear how much Man United stand to lose Casemiro if they can’t find a suitable replacement. The Brazilian went from a failed transfer to becoming an important player. Perhaps only his countrymen can take his place.
Guimarães’ versatility is also an important characteristic. If Rubem Amorim had signed the Newcastle player, there’s a good chance Bruno Fernandes wouldn’t have been moved into a deeper role.
£70 million would be the perfect partner for Man United’s talisman as they enter a new era. Just the addition of a creative threat should give the Red Devils some momentum.
Although Carrick has changed Manchester United significantly, it is still too easy to stop Man United if you stop Fernandes. Add Guimarães to the mix, and stopping one Bruno is unlikely to stop the other. It’s also worth noting that Guimarães could be put into a more advanced role if Fernandes is sidelined.
As the deal progresses, the Newcastle man could be as transformative as the Portugal international back in 2020. The same question Man United ask about what they’ll do without Fernandes is the same question Newcastle often think about their star midfielder.
Like the Old Trafford captain, Guimarães will reach the peak of his powers at the age of 28. This is the addition of another star player with a proven track record in the Premier League and will signal a clear improvement in player recruitment since the arrival of INEOS.
If Julian Nagelsmann is appointed as Manchester United’s next manager, the Brazilian’s appointment would make even more sense. His energetic performances often set the tone for Newcastle and he would be a perfect match for the bold approach the former Bayern Munich manager often employs in his 4-2-3-1 system.
In theory, the midfield duo of Maynou and Guimarães, with Fernandes moving forward, would stand out as one of the best in the Premier League.
Manchester United’s richest contract in history
Many of their additions have not lived up to expectations.
