Many Manchester United supporters questioned the decision to sack Ruben Amorim in January, but the decision now appears to have been a blessing in disguise.
The 41-year-old was sacked after just over a year in charge and Michael Carrick took over at Old Trafford until the end of the season.
The former player made an immediate impact in the Premier League, winning six of his seven games in charge so far, with the other a draw against West Ham United.
The result means the Red Devils are once again firmly in the race to secure a top-four spot in England’s top flight and qualify for the Champions League once again.
Such an outcome would give the hierarchy an opportunity to rehire top talent, whether or not Mr Carrick is given a permanent job.
Manchester United target big-money Premier League star in summer transfer
With Casemiro set to leave United when his contract expires, the bosses have been tasked with finding a replacement for the 33-year-old Brazilian international.
Nottingham Forest star Elliott Anderson has been one of the frontrunners on the shortlist in recent months, with interest in the 23-year-old star growing.
However, any deal is likely to cost the club a significant amount of money this summer, with Vitor Pereira’s side currently demanding a transfer fee of around £100m to sell the England international.
As a result, the board is currently considering other options ahead of the summer, with Bruno Guimarães also apparently on the table.
Reports from Spain suggest the Red Devils have identified the Newcastle United star as their top off-season target, which could see them land a replacement for Anderson.
The report also states that Casemiro himself recommended adding his compatriot to the pecking order to fill the void left by his departure.
It’s also worth noting that United’s leaders have indeed begun talks with the midfielder’s entourage over a summer move.
However, any deal could prove difficult for the Red Devils to finalize, with the Magpies now seeing the Brazil international as an integral part of their plans. They have also valued him at £100m in recent months.
Why Guimarães becomes Man United’s Bruno Fernandes
Midfielder Bruno Fernandes has been an important member of the United squad in recent years and his efforts have been rewarded with him earning the captain’s armband.
The Portugal international is the club’s talisman in the Premier League and his impressive numbers underline his quality in attacking areas.
He has played in 317 games for the Red Devils, scoring 105 goals and providing 97 assists, but no player has been able to contribute more over such a long period of time.
Fernandes has already registered 20 goals and assists in 25 league games this season, the most of any first-team player.
The 31-year-old is arguably in his final year at Old Trafford and a move for Guimarães could give the club the next version of a midfielder.
The Newcastle star rivals Fernandes in terms of being the current team captain, while also managing to finish in the top three of the finals.
The Brazilian has already scored nine goals in the Premier League this season alone and has often been a talisman for the Magpies throughout the 2025/26 season.
His basic stats also point to top-level talent, and the 28-year-old has all the qualities to replace Casemiro in the summer.
Guimarães makes 2.2 tackles and recovers the ball 4.8 times per 90, figures that demonstrate his top-level ability to win the ball back for the Magpies.
Bruno Guimarães – PL statistics (2025/26) | |
|---|---|
Statistics (per 90 people) | tally |
games played | twenty three |
goals and assists | 13 |
Pass accuracy | 87% |
The tackle I made | 2.2 |
Number of balls collected | 4.8 |
won a duel | 5.6 |
Clearance has occurred | 1.3 |
An opportunity has arisen | 1.7 |
Also, out of the 90 duels he participated in, he was at the top in 5.6 matches, and completed 1.3 clears per 90 matches. Those numbers could give United the ball-winning presence they so desperately need.
He has also been good in possession this season, completing 87% of his attempted passes and creating 1.7 chances for teammates per game.
The aforementioned numbers highlight his sensational all-round box-to-box qualities, which could make him the perfect blend of Fernandes and Casemiro for the Red Devils.
It is unclear how much his contract will cost this summer, but it is a move that could give the club the ideal replacement for the departing sensation.
If he can replicate his excellent ability in the final third, he could also take on some of Fernandes’ responsibility for contributing goals from deep positions.
With 114 touches, the Manchester United star has become as unstoppable as Sesco and Bruno Fernandes.
Manchester United remain unbeaten under Michael Carrick’s temporary reign after fighting back to beat Crystal Palace 2-1.
