Man Utd urged to sign £42m Newcastle 'monster' to replace 'world-class' star

Manchester United interim head coach Michael Carrick (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United have been urged to raid Premier League rivals Newcastle United and sign Bruno Guimaraes to replace the departing Casemiro .

The Brazilian midfielder announced last month that he was leaving United at the end of the season after four years at the club.

And while it has been an up-and-down time for Casemiro at Old Trafford , his resurgence and impressive performances this season leave United with a sizeable hole to fill in the middle of the park.

The Red Devils were already in the market for one central midfielder, having tried to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton at the end of the summer transfer window.

And so Casemiro’s imminent exit now makes recruiting a star midfielder a key priority alongside their ongoing search for a new permanent manager.

Baleba could well still be a name of interest this summer, while United are also said to be keen admirers of English duo Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton.

But former Red Devils striker Louis Saha believes that Guimaraes could be the ideal, ready-made replacement for Casemiro in central midfield, while also earmarking his teammate Sandro Tonali as an alternative option.

Bruno Guimares has been tipped to join Manchester United (Picture: Getty)

‘I’ve always been a big fan and defender of Casemiro,’ Saha told AceOdds.

‘He was asked to do one too many roles in the last two years, but that’s been cut and now he’s settled and his role is defined. He’s proved he’s a world-class player and I understand why the fans want him to stay.

‘United need aggressiveness and someone that will dictate the midfield. I see someone more like [Sandro] Tonali or [Bruno] Guimaraes, who are two monsters in midfield.

United need to replace Casemiro this summer (Picture: Getty)

‘With players like [Kobbie] Mainoo, you need someone alongside him who has the experience and vision to manage the transition when Casemiro goes. You need that experience, directness and decisiveness. It’ll be hard to replace.

‘If you bring in a young player, it’s a disruption. It’s great for the future, but you need experience. If Casemiro goes, I think a combination of [Adam] Wharton and Guimaraes would be great because Guimaraes is more of a captain.’

Guimaraes, signed by Newcastle for £42million in 2022, has grown to become a pivotal player for Eddie Howe’s side and was made club captain in 2024.

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The 28-year-old has provided nine goals and four assists in the Premier League this season, but is out of contract in June 2028.

Tonali, meanwhile, was the subject of reported transfer interest from Arsenal at the end of the January transfer window.

The Italian midfielder appears to have a growing number of admirers , and his agent Giuseppe Riso hinted his client may seek a move from St James’ Park if Newcastle don’t qualify for the Champions League.

‘Newcastle are having a hard time letting go of Sandro, and he wants to lead the club to the Champions League,’ Piso recently said.

‘We’ll evaluate and decide what to do in the summer. These transfer discussions will take place later.

‘We’ll see how the season ends and then we’ll decide what to do. There’s no preference at the moment.

‘It’s still early. What we’re saying today won’t apply tomorrow. Newcastle couldn’t let him go now, and there’s no point in moving, especially since Sandro is very attached to the club.’