Many Manchester United supporters questioned the decision to sack Ruben Amorim back in January, but the decision now appears to have been a blessing in disguise.
The 41-year-old was dismissed from the role after just over a year in charge, with Michael Carrick taking the reins at Old Trafford until the end of the campaign.
The former player has made an immediate impact in the Premier League, subsequently winning six of his seven games in charge to date – drawing the other against West Ham United.
As a result, the Red Devils are once again firmly in the race to secure a top-four spot in England’s top-flight, which would enable the side to compete in the Champions League once again.
Such an achievement would hand the hierarchy the chance to recruit top-level talent again, regardless of whether or not Carrick is handed the job on a permanent basis.
Man Utd targeting big-money Premier League star in summer move
With Casemiro set to depart at the end of his contract at United, the hierarchy have been handed the task of landing a replacement for the 33-year-old Brazilian international.
Over the last couple of months, Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson has been one of the leading names on their shortlist, with interest growing in the 23-year-old star.
However, any deal would likely cost the hierarchy a pretty penny this summer, with Vitor Pereira’s side currently demanding a fee in the region of £100m to sell the England international.
As a result, other options are currently being considered by the board ahead of the summer, with Bruno Guimaraes another name who’s apparently in their sights.
According to reports coming out of Spain, the Red Devils have made the Newcastle United star a top target during the off-season, which could allow for an alternative to Anderson.
The report also states that Casemiro himself has recommended the addition of his compatriot to the hierarchy in an attempt to fill the void after his departure.
It’s further noted that the United hierarchy have actually begun talks with the midfielder’s entourage over a summer move.
However, any deal could be a tricky one to complete for the Red Devils, with the Magpies currently seeing the Brazilian international as an integral part of their plans. They have also valued him at £100m in recent months.
Why Guimaraes would be Man United’s Bruno Fernandes
Over the last couple of years, midfielder Bruno Fernandes has been a crucial member of the United squad, with his efforts rewarded with the captain’s armband.
The Portuguese international has been the club’s leading talisman in the Premier League, with his incredible numbers highlighting his quality within attacking areas.
He’s registered 105 goals and 97 assists in his 317 appearances for the Red Devils, with no player managing to register more contributions during such a period.
Fernandes has already registered 20 combined goals and assists in his 25 appearances in the league this season – the most of any player in the first-team squad.
At 31, he’s certainly entering the final years of his time at Old Trafford, with a move for Guimaraes potentially allowing the club to land their next version of the midfielder.
The Newcastle star has matched Fernandes in being the captain of his current outfit, whilst also managing to produce the goods within the final third.
The Brazilian has already netted nine times in the Premier League alone this campaign, often being the Magpies’ talisman throughout the 2025/26 campaign.
His underlying stats also showcase his top-level talents, with the 28-year-old possessing all of the qualities to replace Casemiro during the summer window.
Guimaraes has registered 2.2 tackles and made 4.8 ball recoveries per 90, with such numbers demonstrating his top-level ability to regain possession for the Magpies.
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Bruno Guimaraes – PL stats (2025/26) |
|
|---|---|
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Statistics (per 90) |
Tally |
|
Games played |
23 |
|
Goals & assists |
13 |
|
Pass accuracy |
87% |
|
Tackles made |
2.2 |
|
Ball recoveries |
4.8 |
|
Duels won |
5.6 |
|
Clearances made |
1.3 |
|
Chances created |
1.7 |
He’s also come out on top in 5.6 of the duels he’s entered per 90 and made 1.3 clearances per 90 – numbers which could hand United with the ball-winning presence they crave.
In possession, he’s also thrived during the current season, completing 87% of the passes he’s attempted, whilst also creating 1.7 chances for his teammates per game.
The aforementioned figures 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’s unclear how much a deal for his signature could cost this summer, but it’s a move that could hand the club the ideal replacement for the departing sensation.
Should he replicate his excellent ability in the final third, he would also be able to take some of the responsibility off Fernandes to contribute with goals from a deep-lying position.
114-touch Man Utd star is now as undroppable as Sesko & Bruno Fernandes
Manchester United are still unbeaten under the temporary reign of Michael Carrick after fighting back to beat Crystal Palace 2-1.