Manchester United have ruled themselves out of the Elliot Anderson chase, but they must rekindle another £60m chase.
It didn’t make much sense to enter a bidding war for Elliot Anderson against Man City when the talks started north of £100m.
However, that has ensured a gaping hole in midfield remains at Old Trafford, one that even Mateus Fernandes is looking tricky to fill.
It brings into focus the perfect £60m midfielder whose chase Man Utd abandoned too soon. The World Cup is proving it.
Man Utd abandoned Bruno Guimaraes chase
Before the likes of Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, or Alex Scott were on the case, Bruno Guimaraes looked Man Utd-bound.
There were reports that Casemiro had recommended him to Ineos as his successor, and Guimaraes was open to the idea of joining.
There were even reports that a move was advanced, but they didn’t go anywhere, and soon, the name of Guimaraes dropped down the charts.
As it stands, there are no rumours of any potential move for Guimaraes from Man Utd’s side, which means that the pursuit has all been abandoned.
When the links were heating up, a price tag of close to £60m was mooted, which looks like a huge bargain after seeing the asking price for the likes of Fernandes and Anderson.
Guimaraes proving Man Utd regret at the World Cup
Guimaraes has the all-action playing style and leadership qualities to become the perfect Man Utd player, and he’s proving as much at the World Cup.
He got two assists in Brazil’s recent game against Scotland, where Matheus Cunha scored his third goal.
His partnership with Casemiro is flourishing, and it should rethink a change in transfer plans at Man Utd.
For all the talk, Newcastle have sold just Anthony Gordon so far, so United have a chance of getting Guimaraes if they move quickly.
He will become untouchable if Tonali or Lewis Hall is sold, and a good World Cup, plus the price of other midfielders, will have already raised his price.
He is the kind of plug-and-play player who can slot into Man Utd’s first XI and immediately raise their floor. For £60m, United can do a lot worse than explore a deal to sign him again.
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