Manchester United are set to bolster their midfield ranks this summer with Newcastle duo Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali both on their radar – as well as other options
11:10, 19 Mar 2026Updated 11:10, 19 Mar 2026
Man Utd are weighing up a move for Bruno Guimaraes as they eye new faces in midfield(Image: Offside via Getty Images)
Manchester United are eyeing up midfield recruits in the summer and have ramped up their interest in Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes.
The Red Devils spent big to bolster their frontline before the season began and the next area they’ll look to address will be in the middle of the pitch. It was a position that Ruben Amorim wanted to strengthen and, even with the Portuguese coach sacked, their plans haven’t changed.
Senior figures at Old Trafford are reportedly in advanced talks to sign Newcastle captain Guimaraes for £69million. The Red Devils would face competition from Real Madrid, who’ve renewed their long-standing interest, if they did continue pursuing the Brazilian come the summer.
United have also been linked with his Newcastle team-mate, Sandro Tonali, although a double swoop would be unlikely. The Magpies will be loathed to lose either of their midfield lieutenants, but both men continue to attract interest from elsewhere.
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Tonali is thought to have a £100m price tag, which would make Guimaraes the far cheaper option. Newcastle signed him in 2022, just months after their Saudi takeover, for £40m. They would stand to make a hefty profit, but would no doubt rather keep him. The lack of European football could hurt them if they miss out, especially with United on the rise and looking good for a Champions League return.
Also on the Red Devils’ shortlist are the likes of Tyler Adams, Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, Joao Gomes and Adam Wharton – all of whom are proven in the Premier League. Baleba was a target less than 12 months ago, but Brighton’s price tag put them off any move.
Gomes, a shining light with Wolves, is likely to be one of several players leaving Molineux should they, as is expected, drop down to the Championship. Barring the greatest of great escapes they will be playing in the second tier next term, but Gomes has shown himself to be Premier League quality.
Joao Gomes is poised to leave Wolves should they get relegated(Image: Brett Patzke/WWFC)
United’s midfield is set to undergo a remodel come the summer. It has already been confirmed that Casemiro will move on when his contract expires after the club chose not to take up the option of an extension.
Doubts persist over Manuel Ugarte, who has not performed in Manchester since his move from PSG in 2024. Kobbie Mainoo has become a regular again under Michael Carrick, but he remains inexperienced and would benefit from having seasoned quality alongside him.
A return to the top table of European football would give United the scope to spend bigger than they otherwise would. More than £200m was spent on their attack in the summer and it is likely to take more than £100m if they want to add two quality midfielders to their ranks.
Man Utd will hope to bolster a new look midfield next season
The return to a more conventional midfield structure has freed up Bruno Fernandes, who is excelling at the team’s No 10 once again. That role didn’t exist in the Amorim era but the Portuguese star has enjoyed one of his best seasons to date.
Any new midfielders at Old Trafford would likely need to compliment what Fernandes does in the final third and also provide more protection for the back four as well as dictate games. Guimaraes would tick those boxes and has helped take Newcastle to winning silverware.
There could also be an upgrade added at right back to replace Diogo Dalot. But for now, the Portuguese retains his place having been given plenty of playing time under Carrick.
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