Eddie Howe breaks his silence on Bruno Guimaraes to Man United rumours | OneFootball

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe gave a clear response when asked about the ongoing speculation linking Bruno Guimaraes with a summer switch to Manchester United.

Guimaraes on United’s radar

United are expected to prioritise midfield reinforcements in the upcoming window, having spent the bulk of last summer’s budget on bolstering their attacking department.

Casemiro’s confirmation that he will leave at the end of the season, combined with the uncertainty surrounding the futures of Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte, has only heightened United’s need for midfield signings. There have been suggestions that the club could dip into the market for more than one top-class player in this part of the pitch.

United continue to be linked with a host of midfielders including Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Ibrahima Sangare (Nottingham Forest), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace), Carlos Baleba (Brighton & Hove Albion), Sandro Tonali (Newcastle) and of course, Guimaraes.

Guimaraes has cemented his status as one of the league’s toughest enforcers since joining Newcastle from Lyon in January 2022.

He has played a key role in the success the Magpies have enjoyed over the past few years, including repeatedly qualifying for the Champions League and winning the Carabao Cup.

But, with Newcastle looking increasingly likely to miss out on Champions League football, it appears Guimaraes is looking to jump ship, with United a potential next landing spot for him. A report covered by The Peoples Person claimed that the Red Devils have held talks over bringing him to Old Trafford when the summer window commences. This claim was later refuted by journalists close to the Tyneside outfit.

It is believed that Casemiro has recommended his fellow Brazilian to replace him at United.

With the Guimaraes to United links showing no signs of abating, an irate Eddie Howe has labelled the rumours “disrespectful.”

Howe breaks his silence

Howe said [as quoted by Sky Sports’ Keith Downie], “I don’t know how to respond, I don’t even think I should.”

“It’s a waste of my energy. Bruno is our captain and he’s injured. His only focus is coming back to fitness.”

“(The story) is not necessarily a problem for us, but it’s unwanted news. You don’t want your players distracted … I don’t know how much they’ll absorb that.”

Howe added, “But for me it’s not the time. In the summer you can sort of understand those stories a little bit more because the transfer window is open, but to say our captain is in discussions with another club is totally disrespectful to Bruno more than anybody else.”

“He’s totally committed here.”

Guimaraes has made 23 Premier League appearances this season, contributing an impressive nine goals and five assists in that period.

Featured image George Wood via Getty Images

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