What Casemiro has said about 'exceptional' Man Utd target he wants as his replacement

Casemiro is set to leave when his contract expires at the end of the season (Picture: Getty)

Casemiro will leave Manchester United this summer having potentially played an influential role in naming his own successor.

The Brazil international has personally recommended his compatriot Bruno Guimaraes to fill the void in midfield when he departs at the end of the season with United reportedly now in advanced talks to sign the Newcastle United star.

There will be a major rebuild in midfield at Old Trafford this summer with Manuel Ugarte another tipped to move on after two very disappointing seasons in Manchester.

While Kobbie Mainoo ’s prospects are bright again, there is a desperate lack of options within the squad.

United arguably need to make two first-team additions in midfield ahead of next season, particularly with the club hoping for a busier scheduler back in the Champions League .

Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Joao Gomes are all thought to be on United’s shortlist with Sandro Tonali another option emerging this week. But it is his Newcastle teammate who could be the priority.

Casemiro and Guimaraes have been regular partners in midfield for the Brazil national team since the former was recalled by Carlo Ancelotti last year.

Guimaraes firmly on United’s radar (Picture: Danehouse/Getty Images)

Both players arrived in the Premier League in 2022 and the former Real Madrid star spoke highly of his countryman the following year.

‘Bruno is a player who has been doing an exceptional job at Newcastle,’ Casemiro said.

‘With each game and each training session I am more comfortable playing with him. He is a great player, he has shown this in the most difficult competition in the world, which is the Premier League.’

Bruno did not miss a game for two seasons (Picture: Getty Images)

The feeling is mutual. ‘In one of my first interviews with the national team, in 2020, when I arrived, they asked if I was inspired by anyone in midfield, and I said his name: Casemiro,’ Guimaraes said last year.