Bruno Guimaraes agreement as Man Utd No1 Casemiro replacement obvious | Football | Sport

Bruno Guimaraes could join Manchester United from Newcastle United this summer as a replacement for Casemiro after the veteran midfielder confirmed in January that he will depart Old Trafford after four seasons, even though there is an option to extend his stay by another year. Consequently, the club face a demanding few months ahead as they search for an appropriate candidate to fill the considerable gap left by the former Real Madrid player.

Whilst numerous names have been linked with a transfer to the Theatre of Dreams when the window reopens, from Brighton & Hove Albion‘s Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest to Crystal Palace‘s Adam Wharton, it appears Guimaraes has emerged as their new No1 target. Reuters reports that Man United are in ‘advanced talks’ to complete a £69million transfer for the 28-year-old. They add early discussions between the club and Guimaraes’ representatives indicate both sides are keen on a deal. However, is Guimaraes the correct choice to continue where Casemiro will conclude with United? Below, Express Sport writers have their say.

Aaron Morris

There’s no doubt that Casemiro will leave a major hole when his time at Manchester United comes to a close, and to be completely frank, whoever is brought in as a replacement has incredibly high expectations to live up to. However, after almost a season of deliberating over who would be best suited to succeed him, I’m not sure there’s anyone better than Guimaraes.

Incredibly similar in that they’re both defensive-minded midfielders who are heavy in the tackle, Guimaraes has an extra layer of versatility in looking just as dangerous on the attack – a pure box-to-box player. Despite his age, I feel as though Guimaraes still has his best years ahead of him, and should he be serious about clinching any form of silverware outside of the Carabao Cup, a move to Old Trafford is a real no-brainer.

Newcastle have proven time and time again that while they can qualify for the Champions League, they’re not a big enough team to hang with Europe’s elite. And with the Reds far better placed to qualify for Europe’s premier footballing competition for 2026/27 – sitting third to Newcastle’s ninth in the Premier League standings – Guimaraes may be on the lookout for a move just to ensure that he plays outside of domestic competitions next season.

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Bruna Reis

Without question, Casemiro will be a major loss for the Reds next season, but with the quality of midfielders in world football today, Guimaraes stands out as the ideal replacement for his fellow Brazilian. United would be getting the complete package with Guimaraes, who has been exceptional since arriving in the Premier League and has consistently shown he can dominate games at the highest level.

The 28-year-old offers the blend of defensive intelligence, technical quality and Premier League readiness that United urgently need to ensure a smooth transition in midfield. He reads danger well, progresses the ball with confidence, and brings a level of consistency and leadership that would immediately benefit the club.

While Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson are all promising young midfielders with high ceilings, they may lack the experience, reliability and fully rounded midfield profile that Guimaraes already possesses. For that reason, I believe he stands a clear level above them as a potential successor to Casemiro.

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has previously made clear that Guimaraes is an undisputed starter for the Selecao, and it’s easy to see him slotting straight into United’s midfield and making a difference if a move to Old Trafford were to materialise.

Connor O’Neill

Bruno Guimaraes is the sort of statement transfer that Manchester United should be making. He’s one of the best midfielders in Europe who could easily play for Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City or Real Madrid.

He ticks every box. Proven in the Premier League and Champions League, and the perfect age to kick on and get even better.

United will miss Casemiro. He’s been brilliant this season, but now is the perfect time for him to move on and for the club to add some younger blood to the squad.

The beauty with Guimaraes, as well, is that whoever ends up in charge of United next season would want him in their team. He is the sort of player every manager and supporter wants in their midfield.

Newcastle won’t fold easily, and you would suspect it would take more than the £69m being suggested to get a deal over the line, but if the Reds were to secure the services of Guimaraes this summer, then it would be one huge coup.

Jack Flintham

If United were to go out and sign Guimaraes in the summer, that would be a statement of intent. However, it is probably dependent on a couple of factors.

First would be that United qualify for the Champions League, and the second being that Newcastle don’t.

Even if Newcastle qualify for the Europa League, the Reds might struggle to prise him away from St James’ Park. Should Guimaraes join, he would fit the Jason Wilcox model of signing ‘plug and play’ players.

He has been exceptional since moving to the Premier League and is one of the best defensive midfielders in Europe. He is the kind of signing United should be making, but at 28, the Reds need to be wary of spending too much.

United are not likely to regain the money they spend on Guimaraes – especially if they agree an £80m fee. But if you compare him to Carlos Baleba, for instance, it is a no-brainer.

Kieran Horn

It is becoming very clear that Manchester United need to sign two central midfielders this summer. Even before Casemiro’s departure was confirmed, it was clear that depth was needed in the centre of the pitch.

Links to Joao Gomes, Adam Wharton, Bruno Guimaraes, Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and several others over the last 12 months shows that United are firmly aware of that.

Interest in Guimaraes is relatively new; however, with it clear that a market opportunity is there this summer if Newcastle United miss out on Champions League qualification and Michael Carrick helps seal a return to Europe’s top club competition.

Given the possibility of getting him at a cheaper price, especially with Newcastle’s own financial issues, United should grab it with both hands. With Guimaraes a goal threat from midfield and progressive ball-carrier, a player with an eye for a killer forward pass is needed.

Wharton is undoubtedly the best fit for that, and though signing both would likely cost in the region of £200million, United forked out a similar amount to reshape their attack, and that was without the added funds from European football, so there is now no reason as to why similar cannot be done in midfield.

Patrick Austen-Hardy

Timing is a curious thing in football. Casemiro’s arrival was widely slammed as a panic transfer and a big, expensive mistake – now the United fans are pining for him to stay for “one more year.”

Not only would Bruno Guimaraes be the perfect person to replace Casemiro now, he perhaps should be been bought instead of the Real Madrid legend. In January 2022, when the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City had been linked with Guimaraes, Newcastle swept in and signed the Brazilian from Lyon.

United should have been jostling with the Magpies for their signature. However, signing him this summer would be better late than never. Guimaraes has all of the same qualities as Casemiro, except age is on his side.

With 41 international caps for Brazil, he combines his immense technical ability with an industriousness which breaks up opposing attacks and ensures he does not get pushed around in the midfield. If United qualify for the Champions League, they will need this energy and bite, especially with the game becoming more and more physical.

United will likely need to sign another midfielder as well as Guimaraes, and Wolves’ Andre may be the perfect bargain transfer for the Reds, particularly with the Midlanders about to be relegated.